Trees and Global Warming (Part 13)

More than a decade ago, some large corporations needed a government bailout. Many got into their corporate small jets and flew to that place of government.

They were sent away with a string of rebukes. "Sell your jets before asking for a bailout." "Show us the results of the tax credit subsidized research projects."

One company came back driving an electric vehicle. They lined up more than a few of them, so the CEO could step out of one and into a fresh vehicle. They returned a bit contrite with their bail out request.

It was not a process that really saved money.

Today we have a similar 'jet travel guilt' story. A young, famous person is travelling across the Atlantic in a sailboat. They want to prove that jet travel is not a necessity. Sadly, the sail boat crew needs a swap for the return trip. Several are flying across the Atlantic to crew the boat on its return.

Not a process that really conserved carbon jet fuels.

Maybe it is time to rethink the jet fuel part of air travel.

Electric power is more limited. It would just mean trips might have shorter ranges.

We could create airports. All solar powered. Launching a plane high for what becomes a glide to the destination.

That kind of flight could happen in tiny planes. A boost on the ground. Small electric power for course adjustments. Landings could use balloon parachutes, so these small craft are not in the way of larger aircraft.

All most every part of this could happen with solar power.

Maybe we could plant some trees while we try to get that plan off the ground.