The Sky's the Limit Policies for sustainable aviation

Article

The economic and social benefits of growth in aviation must be weighed against the environmental costs, including noise, air pollution and climate change. This report examines the impact of further growth in aviation on UK sustainable development.

The number of people flying from UK airports is forecast to almost treble by 2030, while air freight is growing at an even faster rate. The economic and social benefits of growth in aviation must be weighed against the environmental costs, including noise, air pollution and climate change. Unconstrained growth in aviation may also increase regional economic inequalities as well as the development pressure in the south east, while extracting jobs from other regions.

The report concludes that unfettered growth would not comply with the objectives of sustainable development and makes policy recommendations to put aviation on a sustainable trajectory. Its recommendations are relevant to the aviation industry and environmentalists alike, along with many others involved in the future of aviation.

Related items

  1. What would it take to eradicate child poverty in Scotland?

    Delivering on the First Minister’s commitment to ‘eradicate’ child poverty seems a long way off.
  2. A wind farm in the hills to the south of Glasgow, Scotland.

    Apathy and opposition: Understanding the real threats to net zero

    Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government. 
  3. A flood warning sign, on a closed country road next to water logged fields in the Avon Valley, Hampshire, England

    Adapt or die: Why progressives need to deal with extreme weather

    The impacts of extreme weather are already directly affecting people and communities across the UK. We lack ways to deal with this.