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Episode details

Radio 4,19 Oct 2009,30 mins

Guilt-Free Flying

Costing the Earth

Available for over a year

Can technology turn aviation green? A new report suggests that flying has a 4.9 per cent share of the overall contribution to climate change. That is a figure that seems certain to rise once the dampening effects of recession disappear. Tom Heap asks if this means that the era of cheap flights is over, or can man's infinite capacity for invention keep the industry alive? Tom explores the options with Iron Maiden singer, professional pilot and keen enthusiast for 'green aviation', Bruce Dickinson. They examine the use of lighter materials for aircraft, changes in air traffic control to cut down time spent in the air and more radical solutions, from biofuels to the rebirth of the airship.

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