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Plane Truth

Plane Truth

Aviation's Real Impact on People and the Environment

by Rose Bridger

An engaging critical account of the aviation industry, which debunks a number of misconceptions and self-justifying myths.
As aviation is celebrated as one of the world's fastest growing industries, with passenger numbers and cargo volumes projected to double in the next 20 years, Plane Truth sounds a note of caution.

In addition to the environmental impact of airport expansion, devouring farmland and wildlife habitats, and aviation's impact of noise and air pollution on communities, Rose Bridger reveals the extraordinary government subsidies for the aviation industry, encompassing government expenditure on infrastructure to tax breaks, all of which serve to support the industry in the face of rising oil prices and global economic downturn. Disavowing 'greenwashing' claims of fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative fuels that will enable growth without climate change, from British Airways to American Airlines, the symbiotic relationship between aviation and the wider socio-economic problems facing humanity is manifest.

Rose Bridger works on environmental issues in the UK in the areas of policy, practical projects and community development. She has been a consultant for the local food sector and campaigned against air freight expansion for a number of years. She is the author of Plane Truth (Pluto, 2013).

'The air industry is a huge lobby but Rose Bridger has produced a book that punctures their dangerous lies' - Derek Wall, International coordinator of the Green Party of England and Wales 'Truly comprehensive in its global perspective and illustrates the stark reality of the impact of the rapid growth in aviation' - Liz Mason, Teaching Fellow in International Business, Leeds University 'At the cutting edge of understanding new perspectives on Green economics. A massively helpful contribution to the literature on aviation, and industry in general, giving valuable insight into how we all end up paying for the follies of large industrial concerns and networks' - Miriam Kennet, Director of the Green Economics Institute 'There is a lot more at stake in arguments about aviation than appears at first sight. This book is a guide to the wider issues: how airports shape food supply, international trade flows, government bailouts, and the future of the climate' - Prof. Victor Anderson, Global Sustainability Institute, Anglia Ruskin University 'A treasure trove that will shock and surprise with much jaw dropping material about the rapidly expanding and much subsidised world of airports, air travel and freight and their impact on climate change, biofuel demand, and much more' - Geoff Tansey, writer, Joseph Rowntree Visionary for a Just and Peaceful World, Trustee of Food Ethics Council 'A veritable 'vade mecum' of the sins of the aviation industry, with the references all lined up standing at attention. Indeed if the aviation bosses were in court with you as the prosecuting counsel, they would all receive long terms in prison' - Brendon Sewill, author of 'Tangled Wings: Gatwick seen through green-tinted glasses', and chair of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
Acronyms/ Glossary
Introduction
1. The Future of Flight
2. Feeding the Fuel Tanks
3. Local Environmental Impacts
4. Threats to Wildlife & Farmland
5. Green Garnish
6. Air Cargo
7. Industrial Cargo
8. Arms, Aid & Accidents
9. Concrete & Overcapacity
10. Counting the Costs
11. Real Estate & Revenue Streams
12. How Aviation Keeps Growing
Appendix
Notes
Index
Published by Pluto Press in Oct 2013
Paperback ISBN: 9780745330327
eBook ISBN: 9781849649612

129mm x 198mm