Sking trips should carry cigarette-style government health warnings because they are so bad for the planet, according to Jeremy Clarkson.
The Clarkson’s Farm host said ministers should lay off smokers because so few people now do it.
Instead they should focus on skiers who he claimed are a much bigger problem.
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Due to climate change the TV star said nine out of 10 Italian ski resorts now rely on artificial snow to keep the slopes open.
“Snow guns need a hundred gallons of water a minute. Each. And there can be dozens or even hundreds at each resort,” he said.
(Image: Getty Images)
“This is having a debilitating effect on northern Italy’s infrastructure because 142 reservoirs are needed to keep up with demand.
“They’re using enough water to supply a town of a million people.And don’t think the problem can be solved by avoiding Italy. In Switzerland half the resorts rely on snow machines, and in France it’s nearly 40%.
“In Germany it’s just a quarter. But the only German ski resort I know is called Wank. And no one wants to go there anyway. Oh, and each ski lift uses the same amount of power as four homes.
“And then there’s the deforestation needed to make the runs and the disturbance to wildlife.
(Image: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)
“And all so that someone called Hugo can get a barn owl suntan. And the opportunity to wear some kind of medical shoe for a couple of months.
He added: “Even now, late in the season, thousands will be out there, on the mountains, in their silly helmets and their all-in-one super-suits, whizzing about in the sunshine, without realising how much damage they’re doing.”
The Grand Tour presenter said even eco-themed resorts were harmful because “Hugo has to get there to enjoy his high-altitude vegetables which means using an Airbus or a Range Rover”.
Clarkson, 62, said he had quit both smoking and skiing but added others “remain addicted”.
(Image: Getty Images)
“By and large smoking is simply no longer a thing,” he said.
“So if the government wants to interfere in our lives, which it does, it should forget about the war on smoking, which is a bit northern and a bit last week, and turn its attention to skiing.
“Travel agents that specialise in skiing holidays could be made to feature a government health warning on the front cover of their brochures, warning Hugo that his annual trip to Sestriere has a serious effect on the planet’s health.
“Maybe there should also be a photograph of a dead orangutan? Who knows?
(Image: Getty Images)
“Maybe, after a successful government interjection skiing will be seen as being as anti-social as smoking or having a car or being a Tory.
But, either way, I suggest you get ahead of the curve and quit. It’s not just good for the planet it’s good for you too.
“I’ve spent the past 10 winters at home and I can assure you that sitting in a chair watching television is more comfortable, cheaper and a lot less Hugo-ish.
“Plus you don’t have to have hot cheese for your lunch every day,” he added.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
