I am a computer scientist who has increasingly become involved in how digital technologies and how they can support environmental scientists in addressing grand challenges around climate change, and environmental change more generally. This led to a conflict in my life – a strong awareness of climate change and yet I was flying everywhere – often as much as twice a month. This was a huge contradiction in my life and I eventually took a pledge to not fly for work. This has been a hugely positive step for me personally although there is a risk of being cut-off from my communities. I also recognize that this would be a harder step to take if I was less established in my career. I feel the whole system has to change and that academics and researchers are behind the curve in thinking about our carbon footprint.