Take The Train; Leave The Plane Behind

November 24, 2002 – Vol.7 No.35

TAKE THE TRAIN, LEAVE THE PLANE BEHIND.

Air transport, though still in a slump because of dragging world economies and the lingering effects of 9/11, is en route to becoming a major contributor to climate change, according to a new report from the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) - The Environmental Effects of Civil Aircraft in Flight.

The report claims that commercial jets could be responsible for 6 -14 percent of climate change by 2050. The report also offers some solutions that the airline and air cargo industries are sure to balk at. For starters, leave the plane on the tarmac for trips of few hundred miles or less and take the train.

And there is detail and other suggestions:

-- To slow the growth of air travel steer travelers to trains by forcing ticket prices to skyrocket. Taxing jet fuel (it is now exempt) will raise fares as will adding an emissions tax to each ticket. A clear explanation as to why the tax is there (to help stave off climate change) should be printed on the ticket. Use the proceeds of this tax to help build more rail.

-- Stop the expansion of airports and build rail hubs around existing airports. Restricted gate availability would force airlines to pursue more profitable, less damaging, long distance routes and abandon the short hops.

-- Airframes and engines could become more energy efficient and fuels could be developed to emit fewer greenhouse gases. But with the slow pace at which aircraft are replaced, entire fleets would take decades to turn green.

-- Hydrogen fuel immediately comes to mind as a replacement for jet fuel (kerosene) but could actually be more damaging. Hydrogen may not be practical as an aviation fuel anyway. Heavy cylinders are needed for compressed hydrogen. Or as a potent sub-zero liquid it would require delicate handling in the air and on the ground.

-- Air cargo should be reserved for high value or perishable goods. Other modes of shipping are far cleaner, also much cheaper.

The Report was in prepared in response to a U.K. Government consultation: The Future Development of Air Transport in the UK. The RCEP is in an independent body appointed by the Queen that evaluates environmental concerns for the UK and the world. RECP reports are presented to Parliament. For a copy visit the RCEP at http://www.rcep.org.uk/ .