Here is a bit of news that might disturb those going gaga over air-travel becoming "easier and affordable'. In 2004, the Committee for Aviation Environmental Protection (caep, a body of the un- affiliated, International Civil Aviation Organisation, icao) estimated that the world's aircraft fleet would touch 25,000 by 2020: more than double the 2002 figure of 12317. But the committee thought that was a matter of great concern. This was because, "recent research ... indicate that aircraft-induced cirrus clouds are potentially the biggest contributors to climate change'.

The caep also noted that, "an analysis of the state of knowledge regarding the impact of airport-related emission