On carbon policy, George Monbiot is correct to focus on realism, not perception (Out of 1,500 global climate policies, only 63 have really worked. That’s where green spin has got us, 12 September). Large-scale aviation will not be carbon neutral for at least 50 years. This is not the largest source of carbon emissions, but it may have the dubious honour of needless emission (we need road/rail transport, food production and power generation more than we need cheap foreign holidays and intercontinental business travel).
The previous government tried “to ensure that the rationing of flights through ‘demand management’ is ruled out”. But, given that provision will rise to meet demand, the only limits on flights are legal frameworks and ticket prices.
