Air traffic out of control15 December 2010
He says: Did you see those protesters at Heathrow? What was that all about?
You say: They were trying to stop airport expansion. Did you know they're planning to build a sixth terminal and a third runway?
He says: That's got to be a good thing. Will that mean more flights?
You say: Yes. But that's bad news for the environment. Apparently planes pump out more greenhouse gases per passenger per kilometre than any other form of transport; and aviation is one of the fastest growing causes of climate change.
He says: That's not so good. Does that mean I should fly less?
You say: You could get the train instead - it's just as cheap. As long as there is a demand for flights, airports will keep getting bigger. And as long as the industry enjoys tax breaks, people will keep getting on planes.
He says: How does that work?
You say: You're currently funding other people's flights by up to £300 a year - aviation is exempt from VAT and airlines do not pay tax on fuel. You've been lining the pockets of the likes of Branson.
He says: That's hardly fair. Is that why flights are so cheap?
You say: Exactly. And why airports need more space to cope with the growing number of passengers. If aviation had to cough up charges for fuel and carbon dioxide emissions, it would probably be more careful about the amount of fuel it uses.
He says: So, if airlines were taxed, would the problem be solved?
You say: It would certainly help. That money could be spent on greener transport meaning we'd have better buses and trains. What we need is a Climate Change Law that would force the industry to become more efficient.
He says: How would it do that?
You say: The law would mean Government has to keep aviation in check by setting tough annual targets for UK industry.
He says: Do we just wait and see what happens then?
You say: You can do, or you can make sure the law includes all UK aviation emissions.
He says: Where do I sign?
You say: Find out more at www.thebigask.com
© Matt Brown
