Think-Tank: “Put Warnings on Adverts for Flights”

As thousands of people get ready to fly off for the Easter break, a leading British think-tank is arguing that adverts for flights, holidays and cars should carry tobacco-style health warnings to combat the public’s “addiction” to polluting transport and reduce climate change.

The Institute for Public Policy Research said highly visible warnings, such as “Flying Causes Climate Change”, could put some people off air travel. They also argue that carbon offsetting charges should be included in fares as part of radical efforts to cut CO2 emissions.

Simon Retallack, the IPPR’s head of climate change, said: “The evidence that aviation damages the atmosphere is just as clear as the evidence that smoking kills. We know that smokers notice health warnings on cigarettes, and we have to tackle our addiction to flying in the same way”.

Go for it Simon. Happy Easter everyone.