Volcanic eruption on White Island, New Zealand

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the volcanic eruption on White Island, New Zealand, particularly focusing on the tragic consequences of the event, the risks associated with tourism in volcanic areas, and personal reflections on adventure tourism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express horror at the situation, comparing it to being trapped in a fire on an airplane or boat.
  • There are personal anecdotes about the desire to see live volcanoes, with some acknowledging the inherent dangers of such activities.
  • One participant reflects on their family holiday in New Zealand and the promotion of adventure tourism, noting the risks involved in such experiences.
  • Another participant highlights the emotional impact of the eruption, particularly the loss of life, including that of a child.
  • Concerns are raised about the false sense of security people may feel regarding nature and environmental risks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a sense of horror and concern regarding the eruption, but there is no consensus on the implications for adventure tourism or the balance between risk and the desire for exploration.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of personal experience with volcanic tourism and acknowledge the unpredictability of natural events, but do not resolve the broader implications of such risks.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in adventure tourism, natural disasters, and the psychological impact of such events may find this discussion relevant.

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What a horrifying scenario on a small island. It would be analogous to fire on an airplane or fire on a boat, where you can't flee.

I too would love to be a tourist to see a live volcano up close. But I realize that is a very hazardous thing to do. I would also like to fly a wingsuit in Norway, but my wife won't let me.
 
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anorlunda said:
I too would love to be a tourist to see a live volcano up close. But I realize that is a very hazardous thing to do. I would also like to fly a wingsuit in Norway, but my wife won't let me.

well, I have done the volcano thing, outstanding !

IMGP2525_hfa.jpg


but there aint no way you are going to get me to jump out of a plane or off a cliff :eek:Dave
 
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We had a family holiday in New Zealand earlier this year, and it is certainly promoted as the 'adventure' destination for tourists.

I'd looked at a Whakaari (White Island) tour, as I've always wanted to see a volcano up-close and missed the opportunity when visiting Mauritius (La Réunion is close but time was against us). A side trip to Whakaari was not logistically possible, but we saw plenty of lower-level volcanic activity in and around Rotorua but I can still barely imagine the horror and stress of being caught up in an eruption event.

This is a tragic reminder that for all we seemed to have 'tamed' nature, it's a false comfort and environmental risks abound, whether obvious as in this case, or slow moving and insidious as with climate change.
 

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