This is being lauded by the NYT as "bold". In reality, it is a misguided attempt to reduce an ecological threat that in the end is perhaps; counter productive. In the meantime, you and I are less free to move about.
Jets, even military jets, have much cleaner exhausts than they used to. Noise is way down, too. It is probably due to finder greater efficiency in the engine, but it is getting better all the time.
Well, there will be less people coming to Europe, then.
~~ AGW™ ping~~
They’re trying to cut down on all that flying by the low fare airlines that follow the Southwest model. You know, the ones all the vacationers on a budget use. Now the skies will be returned to the elite. /s/
/Bah
I wish I’d kept an article I read a few months ago from a UK newspaper, maybe the Guardian. In this article, a eco-freak had the audacity to actually outline the steps necessary to cut greenhouse emissions to acceptable levels. He called for a 90% reduction in flights from/to England.
In additiona, all country homes to be abandoned to minimize transportation. No homes over 1000 square feet to be occupied. No fuel for winter heating.
I thought the guy was owed a round of applause for being honest enough to actually admit what would be required and not try to sugar coat his prescription. I think if more people actually were exposed to what would be required to meet these absurd goals, the global warming theory would be quickly abandoned by most people who think they can save the earth by buying a different brand of light bulb.
It's properly what's called a tax increase. If they were really interested in jet travel emissions they would instead order airplanes to fly at half speed. That would also double employment for flight crews. But really they just want the money, in $50s and $100s, thank you very much.
Aviation is the most fuel efficient mode of transportation ever invented. It blows trains and everything else away. It's just that if you speed up the airplane from 250mph to 500mph it's going to require 4 times the fuel.
on reaching altitude, cut one engine.....
IMO, the EU will be part of the cause of the next European Civil War.
That is, by law electricity is pegged at $0.21/KWh for a fixed 20 years period. Electric companies are required by law to purchase electricity from independent suppliers at fixed rate of $0.50/KWh over the same 20 year period.