ARE WE THERE YET? Tuesday 27 March 2007 1930 GMT on BBC Two

When it comes to flying, Ware says the maths do not appear to add up.

While the government is committed to reducing the UK's total carbon emissions by 60% by 2050, it also forecasts air travel will, by then, have also nearly tripled.

Aviation emissions are among the fastest growing greenhouse gases, yet the government is underwriting a huge expansion in air travel by allowing most UK airports to expand.

At the same time, Ware points out, Chancellor Gordon Brown has doubled airport duty to reduce the growth in flying and said "each country must take action domestically" to reduce aviation emissions.

But the prime minister's message is that not flying away on holiday or on business is "just not practical."

No wonder, Ware argues, the House of Commons Transport Select Committee recently criticised the government for lacking a clear strategy for dealing with the only sector of the economy in which greenhouse gas emissions have risen consistently since 1990.

How else can we cure our addiction for flying?

Ware explores France's high speed railways and finds they are not the answer, then goes to Southend which he says could provide it.

Episode four of Are We There Yet? was broadcast on Tuesday, 27 March, 2007 at 1930 GMT on BBC Two.