Visual protest discourses on aviation and climate change

Various solutions have been suggested for the large climate impact of aviation, some of which would have far-reaching consequences for tourism. This study analyzes the discourses of climate protesters on this topic. Visual protest materials targeting aviation were photographed at three Swiss climate demonstrations in 2019 and analyzed using the Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse. The protesters criticize air travel for its climate impact, assign responsibility to the travelling public, and promote solutions involving reduced air travel demand. They omit offsetting and technological solutions, thereby diverging from the discourses of the Swiss media and the aviation industry. The tourism industry should prepare for possible changes in travel patterns which might occur if this movement succeeds in promoting its views.