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The 'hot' news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7832301.stm) that an internal US flight from New York was forced down into the Hudson river (fortunately, without any loss of life) by a bird strike (probably geese) emphasises one of the particular difficulties of citing airports in wetland locations. The 'local' UK debate about alternatives to a 3rd Heathrow runway, including the possibility of creating an island in the Thames estuary would certainly have to take this possibility into consideration. It will be interesting (seeing how the protagonists are lined up) to see what happens in relation to the proposed Heathrow development (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jan/16/heathrow-runway-politics). It is difficult to see how increased flights can be accommodated with a simultaneous planned reduction in UK carbon dioxide generation and a limiting of noise. The concept of 'green' flights seems unrealistic, as even the much-touted 'biofuels', generate 'greenhouse gases' and carbon offsetting by planting trees) doesn't appear to work .
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday, 16 January 2009
Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane?
The 'hot' news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7832301.stm) that an internal US flight from New York was forced down into the Hudson river (fortunately, without any loss of life) by a bird strike (probably geese) emphasises one of the particular difficulties of citing airports in wetland locations. The 'local' UK debate about alternatives to a 3rd Heathrow runway, including the possibility of creating an island in the Thames estuary would certainly have to take this possibility into consideration. It will be interesting (seeing how the protagonists are lined up) to see what happens in relation to the proposed Heathrow development (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jan/16/heathrow-runway-politics). It is difficult to see how increased flights can be accommodated with a simultaneous planned reduction in UK carbon dioxide generation and a limiting of noise. The concept of 'green' flights seems unrealistic, as even the much-touted 'biofuels', generate 'greenhouse gases' and carbon offsetting by planting trees) doesn't appear to work .
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2 comments:
The people who want this 3rd Heathrow runway say they need it to keep and attract business. The Government could try and persuade us to give up our holidays abroad (which are a luxury not a necessity) to make way for increased business traffic or increase the cost of flying to reflect its true cost.
They certainly could but perhaps also they should discourage short-haul flights (like a short trip in a car, very energy consuming). What we need is a decent, swift and relatively cheap rail system.
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