【正确答案】International air travel has become progressively cheaper over the past decade. As a result, many more people are utilizing this mode of transport more frequently.
Proponents of cheap air travel argue that it provides more opportunities in the areas of business and tourism. For instance, it is now cheaper for business people to attend meetings or conferences abroad, thus contributing to a global knowledge economy and opening up business opportunities and economic growth. Furthermore, there has been huge tourism growth as access to some countries has become cheaper through reduced airplane fares. For these countries, the economic benefits of tourism are clear: more money is spent locally.
However, others feel that cheap air travel has associated detrimental environmental costs. Firstly, aero planes use huge amounts of fuel, a non-renewable resource. They also emit high levels of carbon dioxide, which is the main contributor to climate change and global warming. At a more local level, air travel has a negative effect on air quality and noise levels. Cheap airlines offering ￡2 flights from London to Rome and Madrid only exacerbate the problem by encouraging more people to fly for shorter stays, thus compounding the environmental effects.
All in all, it is certain that people will continue to utilize air travel, as it is so convenient for business and leisure. However, in my view, it would be beneficial for travelers to be more aware and informed of the true cost of their air travel in relation to the environment, and to make their choices accordingly.