Flying in a Low Carbon Economy

The aviation and climate change debate is often heated and confrontational, highlighting the need to have a rational debate based on scientific evidence and understanding of the problem. In response, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) launched a project to create an open dialogue between all stakeholders on aviation and climate change to raise awareness of the issues. Having an independent study was seen as an important resource for all stakeholders to begin that dialogue.The AET, together with the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, sponsored the inclusion of non-governmental organisations in this process, both to inform the study and to find common ground to promote change through creative leadership. The subsequent SDC report “Breaking the Holding Pattern” has created a foundation for an open dialogue on aviation policy in the future.