To find out more about the problems created by the rapid expansion in air travel check out the Low-Fly Zone/Flight Pledge Union website, and consider signing the pledge yourself! Pledge not to fly!
"Choosing to be free from air travel is probably the single biggest step you can take to help prevent climate change, and so reconnecting you with the people and places around you."
Gold Pledge = Not to fly for the next 12 months (except in emergency) Silver Pledge = To avoid all Leisure flights, but accept possible requirement to fly for business
You can calculate the emissions from your particular air journey by using the online calculator on the Flying off to a Warmer Climate website: http://www.chooseclimate.org/flying/
To find pleasanter alternatives to air travel for longer journeys visit the Man in Seat 61 website: http://www.seat61.com/
Staverton Airport (between Gloucester & Cheltenham), is planning to expand. For information see: Concerned residents Against Staverton Expansion (CASE)
"In the summer of 2006 a public meeting was held at Chosen Hill School to allow local residents to engage with the airport management to discuss the future plans of the airport. Since then the the airport's 'five-year' business plan has been discussed by Cheltenham and Gloucester Councils... The details of the airport's five-year plan were not initially made public, but a copy was submitted as one of the documents supporting four planning applications that are designed to allow the plan to be implemented. The five-year plan contradicted the airports public statements, and confirmed many local residents concerns that the airport wishes to significantly increase the number of larger jet aircraft using their facilities."
AirportWatch is a national umbrella movement "which unites the national environmental organisations and the airport community groups opposed to the aggressive go-for-growth policy of aviation expansion outlined in the Aviation White Paper. It aims to oppose any expansion of aviation and airports likely to damage the human or natural environment, and to promote an aviation policy for the UK which is in full accordance with the principles of sustainable development."
Plane Stupid is "a non-hierarchical network of groups using direct action to tackle aviation and climate change. We want to see airport expansion plans scrapped, a tax on aviation fuel and an end to short haul flights."
Quality joined up thinking - governmnet ad's appearing on TV now: Recycle a can and build a plane!