Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
exhaust emissions at cruise altitudes. With this understanding, the industry will be
able to identify any relevant radical changes in technology. Already, Boeing is work-
ing on the concept of fuel cells powering aircraft during cruise; direct use of hydro-
gen is another possibility. British Airways is a member of a group looking at the
potential of alternative sources of energy for aircraft, including hydrogen fuel cells
and the possible use of fuel from biomass. However, new fuel technologies are more
likely to apply first to terrestrial transport.
Conclusion
It is possible to build pictures in which aviation is a part of a sustainable society; but
it is far too early to be definitive. Aviation has a long history of environmental inno-
vation and outstanding improvements continue to be made. There is still substantial
uncertainty over the effects of engine exhaust emissions, particularly in relation to
global warming. Priority should be given to determining these effects. The industry
is not unwilling to consider control measures, but has a strong view that they must
combine environmental benefit with economic reasonableness. There is no reason
why aviation should not continue to grow within the overall context of sustainable
development. Governments, in particular the UK government, face tough decisions
in this regard.
References
DETR (1999)
A Better Quality of Life: A Strategy for Sustainable Development for the United
Kingdom,
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Cm 4345,
HMSO, London, Available in full at www.environment.detr.gov.uk/sustainable/quality/
life/index.htm and in brief summary at www.environment.detr.gov.uk/sustainable/consult2/
index.htm
IPCC (1999)
Aviation and the Global Atmosphere,
Cambridge University Press.
T
HE
CASE
FOR
'
NO
GROWTH
'
John Whitelegg, Liverpool John Moores University
1
Introduction
The aviation industry and its future prospects are central to whether or not sustain-
able development can really make a difference to traditional political and business
decision-making. Currently, the industry is locked into ambitious growth plans that
are progressed in the absence of any indication or measurement of what level of flying
is consistent with sustainable development objectives. More interestingly, the indus-
try has embraced the language and rhetoric of sustainable development/sustainable
aviation, while at the same time being deeply committed to the most unsustainable
form of behaviour. A commitment to growth without limit is fundamentally unsus-
tainable, and the aviation industry is hostile to any suggestion that growth should
slow and then be reversed. This short contribution to the debate argues the case for
a no-growth aviation industry.
