Exciting news: soon we will be flying sustainably. Visits to snowy Northern Hemisphere mountains and glaciers could be possible without the sickening sense that we've hastened their melting.
Slow down. Aviation still burns a lot of oil. Despite recent news of funding to scrutinise the feasibility of Kiwi-made sustainable aviation fuel, guilt-free flying is far from imminent. That's according to recent publications co-authored by Robert McLachlan, an applied mathematician at Massey University who specialises in mathematical modelling.
The international aviation industry is aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and last year published Making Net-Zero Aviation Possible, An industry-backed, 1.5°C-aligned transition strategy. It offers mostly techno-fixes: fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel and aircraft powered by batteries or hydrogen.
Rousing publicity accompanies the prospect of electric and hydrogen-powered planes even though they're predicted to account for only 11% of the 2050 goal. They scarcely feature until 2040 and only tiny electric planes yet exist.
Esta historia es de la edición July 8 - 14, 2023 de New Zealand Listener.
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Esta historia es de la edición July 8 - 14, 2023 de New Zealand Listener.
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Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
