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. A young woman with a long ponytail sits looking out of a bus window

    State of the North 2025 - The kids aren't alright: How to deliver for young people in the North

    This year’s State of the North report highlights how regional inequality exacerbates the growing challenges facing many young northerners. 
  2. An illustration of an ideal public transport system: a smiling family cross a road near a green bus with houses and trees in the background

    The transport challenge for low-income households

    Many people living on low incomes in the UK are limited in their ability to access the building blocks of a good life because of poor transport provision.

  3. Towards universal opportunity for young people

    Outlining a vision for young people which could increase social mobility while also reducing inequality and disadvantage, so that every young person has the opportunity to build a decent life.