Dobre życie, turystyka i zmiany klimatu. W poszukiwaniu umiaru

The article discusses the importance of various concepts of well-being, good life, and human needs in climate protection. To this end, tourism literature is explored and critically evaluated concerning its prevalent hedonic and eudaimonic trends. The author proposes a wider application of the ‘theory of human needs’ to reduce tourism’s climate impacts and search for ways to meet people’s needs without overburdening the environment. Another aspect is the idea of moderation and restoring it as a concept of the good life. Given the climate crisis, it seems critical to highlight and socially negotiate the boundaries between moderation and excess, the need and luxury – also in the context of travelling. This is where concepts derived from the theory of needs such as ‘alternative need satisfiers’, ‘need satisfier escalation’, and sufficiency may prove useful. The article ends with references to patterns emerging in the Polish culture and a reflection on the resulting opportunities. Particular attention is paid to the 'krajoznawstwo' tradition – touring focused on learning about visited locations’ social, cultural, and historical background – and the possibility of opening up to the world without leaving home.