In this fascinating book, Walter Palmer confronts head-on the (some would say impossible) challenge of sustainability in commercial aviation. He identifies the keys, including new forms of aircraft, new sources of energy for fuel, and incentives for the needed research and development, including a price on carbon. It's a book for everyone concerned about our common future. My congratulations. Jim MacNeill, OC, Secretary General of the Brundtland World Commission on Environment and Development and chief architect and lead author of its 1987 report Our Common Future Growing demand and growing emissions are not the only future available for aviation. While identified by many as the place where fossil fuels will reign uninterrupted, Palmer takes us on a different journey. He carefully identifies potential alternative fuel pathways and explores the stakeholders, personalities and policies that could mobilise change toward sustainability. For refreshing insights, and a potential solution, to the complex problem of aviation and sustainability, this book is a must read. Paul Parker, University of Waterloo, Canada Mr. Palmer has done a tremendous job of capturing the critical nature of aviation and its sustainable future. ... In this book, he has accurately and effectively portrayed the current status of renewable jet fuels and the complexities facing the commercialization efforts that the biofuels sector faces in producing these new fuels. For the aviation industry to continue to grow and prosper over the next 20 years, all while meeting the emission reduction goals of ICAO and other emission reduction commitments, increased awareness by the traveling public, governments and militaries around the world is required. I think Walt has started this conversation in a big way I and look forward to the results of his work making a difference in the solutions that will come in the coming years. John Plaza, Founder and CEO of Imperium Renewables; Commercial Pilot 'While dealing professionally with the current technologies for generating biofuel, the book also points towards broader, philosophical questions about ecological justice and what we might owe to the future. It is a well-researched and well-written book and it contributes to the important dialogue about how we can fly without changing our planet irrevocably.'
Dr Ben Daley, Policy School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Aerospace
