This can’t be a debate between bikes and airplanes.

I hosted and chaired a debate this week between Duncan McLaren, Chief Exec of Friends of the Earth and Richard Jeffries, general manager of Edinburgh Airport.This came about because I found myself on the one hand recognising the huge contribution the airport makes to our economy and so to jobs and on the other hand concerned about the dangers of an economy support by what appears to be a massive polluter. I wanted to explore that tension not simply with the main protagonists but also with ordinary citizens. What was fascinating about the discussion both from Duncan and Richard but also from the 100 or so folk present was the common ground , especially the desire to make environmental concern central to any forward planning. The divergence came over just how possible that was with an expansion of air travel. This can’t be a debate between bikes and airplanes. Its too important not just for the environment but for the economy of the city. Nor will instruments like increased taxes in themselves produce the behavioural changes we need to see in our travel choices. It also means planning economic change over several years rather than overnight. Change that must mean keeping confidence from investors but keep the eye on the prizes of a zero carbon economy. No easy task but one we cannot shy from.