Laura Tobin has come under fire from some viewers after reporting live from the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Friday. The Good Morning Britain weather presenter was broadcasting from Ashton Court Estate ahead of the annual event, where she told viewers more than 100 hot air balloons were expected to take part in the festival's famous mass ascent. She also highlighted plans for three world-record attempts across the weekend.
Social Media Backlash
However, her appearance prompted criticism on social media, with some viewers accusing the broadcaster of hypocrisy given her regular reporting on climate change and environmental issues. One person wrote on X: “So, is that gas ok to be put into the atmosphere only when it suits her to care.” “Totally bad for the environment. Laura does not care about the polar bears lol,” another penned. A third added: “Déjà vu! The climate hypocrite is out and about professing climate doom whilst contributing to it.”
Environmental Impact of Balloons
While hot air balloons do burn propane, which produces greenhouse gas emissions, they generate considerably fewer emissions than most powered aircraft, including helicopters and planes. Although they are not emission-free, they are generally considered to have a lower environmental impact than many other forms of aviation.
New Chapter as Author
Last month, Tobin surprised fans by announcing a new chapter away from the weather map - becoming an author. Before joining ITV in 2012, Tobin spent five years as a meteorologist and weather presenter at the BBC. She has fronted the weather on Good Morning Britain since the programme launched in 2014, but recently revealed she will be adding published author to her CV.
The 44-year-old announced that she has written her first ever book titled Come Rain or Shine, which she said would teach readers “everything you need to know about the weather”. The accompanying video showed Tobin taking a deep breath before holding the book up to the camera, saying: “I’m so excited because I can finally say – ahhh! – I’ve written a book about my favourite topic: the weather.
“It is one of our favourite topics of conversation, you come and stop me all the time asking me so many questions. ’Why’s it so hot?’ ’When’s it going to rain?’ ’Why do we name rain storms?’ There is all of that and more in here.” Tobin said that she hoped by the end of the book, readers “should be able to look up at the clouds and be able to predict the weather” themselves.
The book will hit shelves on October 1 and is available for presale now, Tobin explained, adding: “I’ve loved writing it and can’t wait for you to read it.”
