Welcome to Beautiful Planet > Introduction from BALPA’s Chairman Captain Mervyn Granshaw Most of us who operate aircraft never lose our sense of awe at the beauty of our planet. We care for it deeply and many of us have children who we want to be able to grow up seeing it in all its glory. During the last five years, air travel has been under attack, being accused of almost singlehandedly destroying this beautiful planet. And now airline passengers are being made to feel guilty about taking holidays abroad. BALPA has launched a campaign to inject some rationality into this debate and for 3 main reasons: Firstly, to put the debate into context and to give some facts about aviation’s impact. Secondly, to look at some of the policy and operational options that will help limit our contribution to environmental damage. Thirdly, to stimulate debate - amongst our own members and their colleagues operating in other countries; within our industry – especially those in air traffic control, engineering and operations; and amongst policy makers and politicians. Pilots recognise that we have a part to play but we want practical and “joined up” solutions that enable aviation to continue to be a source of social and economic advancement, equality and great pleasure for the many people who are transported to the corners of this beautiful planet. Have your say: e mail us at beautifulplanet@balpa.org BALPA wants to find out what you think about this debate. We accept there is more than one side to this debate and that some of the “facts” are contentious or insufficently researched. Send us your ideas and comments and help set the agenda. We welcome feedback to beautifulplanet@balpa.org and will be posting a range of comments on the Beautiful Planet bulletin board.* Drawing on this feedback we will later this year produce a further booklet on an agenda for change in aviation. Show us your views: BALPA would like to see the images that best illustrate this beautiful planet and the risks that it faces. Please send in your pictures of our Beautiful Planet to beautifulplanet@balpa.org. Whether it be a picture taken of the skies above or the congestion on the roads below, your contributions can help illustrate this campaign.** *BALPA may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. BALPA promises that you will NOT receive unsolicited mail by supplying comments on this issue. If you would like to be kept informed of further issues on this debate please indicate this in your email to the above address. We appreciate your feedback but due to the anticipated amount of correspondence we will receive, we cannot reply to all enquiries. **By submitting your images to BALPA for use on this website and elsewhere across the Association you confirm that you have the necessary permissions to use the image for the purposes of this campaign. No reponsibility can be taken by BALPA for images submitted and used outside the standard Copyright Laws.