Is carbon cost of flying too high?

AS PROTESTS grow over the carbon cost of flying, MMU is taking part in a unique 'Question Time' style event in Manchester.

On November 15, representatives from Manchester Airport and Manchester Plane Stupid will go head-to-head in a public debate about the future of aviation.

The event, billed "the Great Aviation Debate," will take place from 7.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Central Manchester.

Robbie Gillett of Plane Stupid and Vanessa Hall of Manchester Climate Action, who were part of a recent non-violent protest at Manchester Airport, will argue against the airport's expansion on environmental grounds.

John Twigg of Manchester Airport and Angie Robinson of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce will put the case that the airport is a vital part of the North West's economy.

Passions

The debate will be moderated by Colin Sykes, the BBC's North West environment correspondent, with expert panellist Professor Callum Thomas, of MMU's Centre for Air Transport and the Environment.

"We're sure it will be a very passionate debate: flying is something people feel strongly about, both for and against. There will be ample time for all the panellists to put their cases, and for questions and discussion points from the audience," said Marc Hudson, convenor of Manchester Climate Forum.

For more about expertise in Sustainable Aviation, go to www.cate.mmu.ac.uk