[enviro-vlc] New report on aviation and human development

[Vern Weitzel]

Subject: Dear colleagues, new report on aviation and human development
Date: Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:01:17 -0500
From: victoria.johnson at neweconomics.org
Reply-To: victoria.johnson at neweconomics.org
To: Climate Change Info Mailing List <climate-l at lists.iisd.ca>

Dear colleagues,


New report on aviation and human development, 'Plane truths: Do the economic 
arguments for aviation growth really fly?'


A new report from nef (the new economics foundation) explores the impact of 
aviation growth on human development. Researchers examined four developing 
nations and found that for three of the countries analysed, less than one per 
cent of their GDP would be lost between 2009-2025 if growth in the UK’s aviation 
industry was halted in order to deliver national emissions reductions targets.

The study demonstrates that the economic benefits of international tourism to 
developing nations have been overstated, and in fact, poses more of a risk than 
a benefit. To minimise carbon emissions, the report suggests that high-speed 
rail travel could replace between 45 and 75 per cent of all outbound flights 
from the UK. To achieve this, the report recommends a higher differential on tax 
on short-haul flights to both limit demand and generate revenue for investment 
in alternatives to air travel, and for a fund to help developing nations adapt 
to climate change.



The report can be downloaded here: 
http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/uploads/2j1cwgmxntg0uiaoqg5ob14526092008170324.pdf

Best wishes,
_______________________________________________

Dr Victoria Johnson
nef Lead Researcher, Climate Change an Energy Programme

t: +44(0)20 7820 6358 e: victoria.johnson at neweconomics.org

Do Good Lives Have to Cost the Earth?  We tend to see climate change as an 
overwhelmingly daunting threat requiring impossible sacrifices. But it's time to 
rethink say a range of notable experts brought together by nef and the Open 
University – who share a conviction that living well need not cost the earth. 
Available from Amazon and all good bookshops

If you believe in the work that nef does, please become a supporter. Your 
support is vital to our success. Visit the nef website to find out more

nef (the new economics foundation)
3 Jonathan Street, London SE11 5NH
Registered Company No. 319 3399
Registered Charity No. 1055254
t: 020 7820 6300   f: 020 7820 6301

www.neweconomics.org