| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| RosemaryJane |
I have taken the pledge.....Have you?http://www.airportpledge.org.uk/ |
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| cab |
No, I haven't.
Perhaps you might like to outline why you believe we should? |
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| RosemaryJane |
You will see my reasons if you go to the website and click 'read the pledges' number 3636
Rosemary |
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| cab |
I had a look around there (and saw your pledge  ). I'm not totally convinced I agree with the aims or methods outlined there.
I agree that unlimited expansion of aviation is a bad idea. I agree that the way we have allowed that to go on for years is silly. But I don't believe that limiting airport expansion or giving un-named and un-specified support to those opposing said expansion is the right way forward. Perhaps you see things differently, so I thought I'd invite you to put your case forward. |
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| RosemaryJane |
I certainly will but its the end of my lunchhour and I must get back to work. | ||||
| Blue Peter |
I haven't taken the pledge, etc., but I would agree that British aviation strategy is deeply flawed, e.g. see:
http://www.vitaltrivia.co.uk/2005/12/46 As you'll see, the expansion assumptions are dependent on "Aviation fuel prices will stabilise at $25 a barrel in 2000 prices". Given the current oil price, and the fact that oil may become a lot more expensive in the next 30 years (rather than a lot cheaper), then the need to turn further parts of the country into runways would seem a mirage. Better to spend the money on rail transport, Peter. |
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| Penelope Anderson |
No I haven't. I should like to be able to say yes I have, morally I believe it's the right choice, but I'm selfish and I have children who live in Thailand. We use airports as much as anyone else. | ||||
| RosemaryJane |
Thankyou for all your comments.
I am struggling to find any possible arguments for any kind of expansion in air travel capacity, given the effect of air travel on CO2 emissions but would be interested to hear them.
The idea of the pledge is to get people like me who might feel strongly about it and may sign a petition now and then to actually stand up and be counted and commit to something, which I have to say I rarely do.... I just rant at my partner! Pledgers have a wide choice of things they can do which vary from taking non violent direct action, to giving money to support others actions, to leafleting their area, it is entirely their choice. Penelope... it is not selfish I would do the same to be with my children/grandchildren. Rosemary |
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| cab |
I totally agree with you, I can't make good arguments in favour of expanding air travel either. But I don't believe that air travel expansion and airport expansion are necessarily synonymous, and I don't know whether I can see anything in that particular campaign that really appeals to me.
Its a difficult issue; I support your goal, but I don't support what that campaign is saying; I feel especially uncomfortable with the very loose definitions there about what kind of campaign action they support. |
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| monkey1973 |
The only thing I can remotely think of that might support more flights is the suggestion that they are actually protecting us. After 9/11 all flights across the US were suspended and readings were taken on temperatures at ground level. These were shown to have increased by up to 3 degrees which in an ironic way suggested that plane vapour trails were helping to subdue the risks of solar radiation. | ||||
| JB |
No I haven't. The site is rather too vague about what exactly it is you are signing up to. If it's a specific action they don't mention it and if it isn't then why pledge support? It strikes me as the sort of petition that could all to easily be abused by someone specifying after the event exactly what they think the petition means and then claiming widespread support. | ||||
| Blue Peter |
I don't think that Tony Blair has taken the pledge:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4688452.stm
Peter. |
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| Andy B |
Usual lip service and Bulls**t from the Pm. It would be easy to cut airtravel, stop subsidising it!
Just goes to show how serious they are on the issue. Not!!!!!!! |
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| tahir |
Yup |
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| thos |
In what way is air travel subsidised? Once upon a time, part of the Bolton rates went to subsidise Manchester Ringway, but that was stopped years ago. If you are referring to the absence of fuel duty, absence of taxation does not equate to subsidy, and don't forget that air travel is subject to high charges for Air Traffic Control and maintenance of navigational aids. The ability to tax air travel is severely constrained by ICAO regulations. |