3 ms·
Finger pointing is not productive for resolving climate change. The US and Europe have done their fair share of getting CO2 levels where they are today. And the
by jillesvangurp 4y ago
Finger pointing is not productive for resolving climate change. The US and Europe have done their fair share of getting CO2 levels where they are today. And the fact that the likes of China, India, etc are now also polluting at a disturbing scale is indeed bad news. But the bottom line is that we all need to burn a lot less fuel.
It's not about who's most or least guilty of this but about how we can collectively stop burning fossil fuel ASAP. It's not about fairness, sacrifices, or feeling good about things but just about discouraging known bad things (like burning fossil fuel) collectively and stimulating things that actually achieve something and move the needle.
I think when it comes to general aviation, a strong financial incentive to do that in a more fuel efficient way would have some impact. Just look at what incentive programs are doing for electrical vehicles. Electrical planes are not far behind and there are a few companies in this space with working products that could probably benefit from a little help. It's not that different.
I actually am one of those people that would take flying lessons if it was a little cheaper. Seems like a really fun thing to do. Do I need to fly. Nope, this would be purely for my own entertainment. It's definitely bad for the environment, and there is absolutely no need for gallons of fuel to be burned every hour I'd be flying. Fuel prices and the cost of flying are definitely helping me stay on the ground. I'd love to have a cheaper, electrical, option. I don't see that that would be less fun and it would be less harmful.
- MandieD 4y agoTry soaring/gliding. My husband has been in love with it as long as I've known him, and since his club, like most German clubs, uses a winch (big old Oldsmobile engine) to launch the planes, each launch uses less than a liter of fuel. A skilled and lucky glider pilot can make that flight last for hours - my husband's personal best is something on the order of 8 hours and 800km. This sport requires a lot of help on the ground, so it's very social and physically active.
- jillesvangurp 4y agoI have actually considered that. Looks like a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I'm pretty far away from a suitable place to join a club.