Holidaymakers Refuse to Help the Environments.

British holidaymakers have confirmed that they are unwilling to alter their holiday plans in a bid to help the environment.

As world leaders meet at the Copenhagen Summit to discuss climate change, research has revealed that the majority of holidaymakers are not prepared to change their travel habits in a bid to be more environmentally friendly.

A staggering 90% admitted that cost and convenience were more important to them than saving the planet.

Just 13% said they were prepared to reduce their flights next year as opposed to 15% who were considering flying more during 2010.

The study which questioned over 2,000 travellers about their holiday plans revealed that only 5% of people would be prepared to pay more to offset their journey's environmental cost. And just 11% have the confidence in leading global governments to deal with climate change.

The research company's group director, Tom Costley said "This research points to a 'hands off' approach to the question of travel and the environment. Even though we claim to be concerned about climate change, we prefer to consider our travel plans in isolation and avoid letting green concerns affect our flying."

Mr Costley concluded that it seemed like travellers see their holidays as an escape from reality and perhaps looked at climate change as somebody else's responsibility when really they should be thinking about it themselves.

Many passengers feel that they are already 'doing their bit' by paying the increased Air Passenger Duty (APD) which took effect in November this year. The government sees this as a 'green' tax however there's little evidence to suggest any of the money has been spent on the environment. Increases saw short haul economy flights such as those on Ibiza, Majorca or Menorca holidays rise by just &pound1 per person. But those travelling further afield say on holidays to Egypt will pay &pound5 more. While those travelling long haul to destinations such as the Caribbean will see charges rise by up to &pound30 per person. Premium seats are set to rise by &pound150 per person next year which could cripple holidays to the Caribbean. The banding system is determined by the distance of the destination from London, and prices are set to rise even further next year.

So the battle will no doubt rage on as to just who is responsible for paying for the carbon footprint left by our self indulgence of wanting to take holidays abroad. Commercial airlines complain that the tax does not affect private jets or cargo flights. The government will still charge for it even though they cannot tell us exactly how this charge is helping, and we, in our wisdom will put it to the back of our mind as we sun ourselves on some tropical beach or shop till we drop on our Menorca holidays without a care in the world for the damage we may be causing our surroundings.