Forum Topic

British Airways named second biggest air polluter

This is an extract of an article in the Times today:
"Ministers have been urged to radically cut greenhouse gas emissions from airlines after research showed British Airways alone accounted for as much carbon dioxide as all vans on UK roads. A study named BA as the second biggest airline polluter in Europe in 2019 before the pandemic grounded thousands of flights. BA’s flights emitted 18.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), which was second only to the German flag carrier Lufthansa. Transport and Environment, the campaign group in Brussels which carried out the study, said that emissions levels were close to the total from every van driven in Britain the previous year — 19.4 million tonnes. ...." Now I am paraphrasing: The figures shown relate to 2019.  BA says these figures are out of date as it grounded all Boeing 747 in 2019 which were very polluting and now has aircraft that produce up to 40% less emissions.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1857d12 Comments

So many batteries are not making it to be recycled.  The crossed out wheelie bin means to NOT put the item in the residual (ordinary) waste bin.  There are take back schemes run by some shops for these items.https://cen.acs.org/materials/energy-storage/time-serious-recycling-lithium/97/i28

Philippa Bond ● 1854d

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/car-makers-and-startups-get-serious-about-reusing-batteriesWe need to make sure that we recycle all our electronics and electrics so that the precious metals are not lost.

Philippa Bond ● 1854d

Nobody is aiming for zero carbon Sue, it's net zero we are trying to get to.

Matt Palmer ● 1856d

Positive news? Funding for a feasibility study for lithium mining in Cornwall ...https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2021/03/government-backs-lithium-mining-feasibility-study-in-cornwall/

Michael Ixer ● 1856d

I definitely find Eurstar a more relaxing way to get to Paris or Brussels. 

Michael Ixer ● 1856d

Isn't Eurostar in financial trouble too and isn't that a better way to travel to Europe if you have to go?There is work being done on less polluting planes.  Isn't Norman Foster still working on airports?https://uk.pcmag.com/british-government/72859/david-cameron-promises-fast-broadband-for-allStaycations are better and it tends to be a lot less stress not travelling.

Philippa Bond ● 1856d

Perhaps that's a bit pessimistic, Sue? There is much leaded petrol and I think CFCs are under control in the UK?  Not saying it will be easy but what's the alternative?

Michael Ixer ● 1856d

The country is never going to achieve zero carbon.  It's impossible.

Sue Hammond ● 1856d

Absolutely.  I was quite surprised when I heard that, though as I don't believe a word he says I suppose I shouldn't have been

Elizabeth Balsom ● 1856d

and Boris removing air passenger duty for internal flights isnt exactly sending the right message either.

Matt Palmer ● 1857d

Theresa May committed the country to being zero carbon by 2050, but backs a 56% increase in aircraft movements at Heathrow. Hard to understand how those goals coincide.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 1857d

Well they (BA) would say that wouldn't they?  However as Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe it's no wonder we are being drenched in air pollution.  All the luvvies, celebs and eco warriors will continue to spout off about it or protest but I'm sure none of them will give up flying. Hypocrites.

Sue Hammond ● 1857d