Plane Talking

... and the very first post on the blog that discusses the environmental impact of flying.
 
First things first. What is this blog about?
 
At enviro.aero we've been looking at ways to get the message out about aviation and the environment. There's a lot of discussion online, and while most of it's constructive, not all of it is.
 
We prefer discussion that is well informed because that helps us understand each other better. But there's a lot of misinformation out there. We keep coming across half-truths, fiction as fact, or opinion as analysis.
 
So, we thought a blog would be a good way to set a few records straight and join the debate. Most importantly, you get the chance to tell us - and anyone else reading - what you think.
 
You might be a frequent flyer with a strong view on CO2 emissions. Perhaps you have an insight into government aviation expansion policy. Maybe you're an aviation engineer who really knows his nuts and bolts. Or possibly you're a campaigner for an environmental organisation concerned about how industries are responding to climate change.

 Generating electricity, deforestationand driving all have an impact on the environment, as do the majority of human activities. Like most major industries, aviation is striving to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Whoever you are, if you have a view on aviation and the environment, we'd like to think that you'll bookmark us or subscribe to us and watch the debate evolve. Or, even better than that, take part in that debate yourself.
 
Next up: Who are we?
 
I'm Paul Steele. I'm the director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), which is the only global association representing all sectors of the air transport industry.

ATAG currently has over 70 members worldwide, including airports, airlines, manufacturers, air navigation services providers, airline pilot and air traffic controller unions, chambers of commerce, travel and tourism organisations, investment organisations, ground transportation and communications providers. In other words, virtually anyone and everyone connected with the aviation industry. 

You will see me write blog posts occasionally, but I'd like to introduce the team from across the industry that will be blogging most often.
 
Haldane Dodd is on the team at ATAG and is our Head of Communications. He comes from the airport sector, having worked at Auckland Airport in New Zealand, before moving to Geneva and working for the Airports Council International. Haldane's interest in the environment extends back to when he was a child growing up in New Zealand, where he spent time fundraising for Greenpeace by coordinating local neighbourhood kids!
 
Quentin Browell is an Assistant Director with the International Air Transport Association's aviation and environment team, reporting on the environmental progress being made by airlines. IATA members include some 230 airlines representing 93 percent of scheduled international traffic. Before he joined IATA, Quentin was jointly responsible for developing his previous company's environment policy and he has also served as head of public affairs at a consultancy which advised clients, including Unilever and 3M, on environmental policy issues.
 
Chris Goater is based in Amsterdam and is Director of Communications for CANSO, 'the global voice of ATM', which represents air navigation service providers across the world. Chris was part of the group that launched the UK Sustainable Aviation project when he worked for the Airport Operators Association in London.
 
That's our blogging team but we will also be inviting guest bloggers from across the industry to join the conversation.
 
So, what are we going to talk about?
 
We'll be flagging interesting news items, previewing events, and reviewing them. We'll offer monthly and quarterly news round-ups, interviews, posts by guest bloggers, and so on - basically whatever we think contributes positively to a balanced debate.
 
If you want to know more, the enviro.aero website at www.enviro.aero should give you an all-round perspective on issues such as alternative aviation fuels, the carbon footprint of flying and emissions trading.

And our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/enviroaero gives you the facts about aviation and the environment as well as the steps the air transport industry is taking to reduce its emissions.
 
But we're also open to suggestions. If you'd like to see something here, tell us.
 
What happens now?
 
Now you know who we are and what we'll be talking about, it would be nice to get a bit of feedback. As they say in flight lessons, "You have control."
 
From what you've read on the site so far, is there anything you like? Anything you don't? Do you have any great ideas that we could look into? Is there any interesting news you've come across that you want to pass our way? Or do you just want to say hello?
 
In which case, say it!

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