We spent the last week in Seattle and had a great time giving two public talks at the Pacific Science Center. Seattle is perhaps best known for rain, coffee and Boeing. I could talk about global warming around any of those three topics, but I’m going to focus on Boeing.
Boeing recently introduced the 787 Dreamliner. This is a new passenger plane made from composites which are lighter than the traditional metal construction. The plane is 20% more fuel efficient. It also happens to be more comfortable for passengers because it doesn’t have to be kept as dry or as pressurized as metal planes that can corrode. Boeing is booked for many years with the huge demand for this plane. While some people say that dealing with global warming will be too expensive, here is an example of a great success story. This plane is more fuel efficient, more comfortable and a win for everyone.
This success story comes at an important time. Currently, airplane travel contributes about 3 percent of global warming emissions, but it is growing at approximately 5 percent a year. We need to continue to encourage innovative solutions such as this one. Clearly we also still need to consider bigger changes that will reduce air travels’ contribution to global warming. Some of these changes include more efficient air traffic control, towing airplanes to the runway reduce fuel use, and other structural changes that can create a huge reduction in fuel use. The changes also rest with each of us making the decision to reduce our air travel where it is possible. This is one small step, but it’s moving us in the right direction.
Speaking of good news, have you heard about the recently announced Western Climate Initiative? You can read about it here. These positive changes happen because people — each of us — are beginning to speak up. Lets keep it going.
So glad you finally have made it (back) to the West Coast. It was great to see you in Seattle, and we’ll see you again real soon!
Hi David, sorry I missed your talk in Hillsboro.
First time poster, Portland resident, bike advocate and trying to learn to live simply. I think what you’re doing is marvelous, and keep up the great work!
I just wanted to quickly point out one thing – we also need to encourage people to use other methods than flying when possible. 5% growth doesn’t sound like a lot, but it actually means that air travel will double in only 14 years. Every change we can institute, no matter how small, is helpful, but the big change – encouraging people not to fly unnecessarily, that could go a long way towards mitigating the effects air travel has on the planet.
Thanks,
-matt p