While many people are looking to airline manufacturers to make air travel more environmentally friendly, the manufacturers seem to be pointing the finger elsewhere. Boeing has recently come under the spotlight over the question of emissions and fuel efficiency. To find out exactly what Boeing is doing to reduce emissions, I interviewed Boeing design engineer, Javier Florez.

Air travel is the fastest growing source of the greenhouse gases that lead to climate change. Air traffic has surged in recent years and is expected to increase by an annual five percent in the next 20 years. Airline carriers will have to work hard to improve fuel-efficiency to compensate for the five per cent annual growth in the aviation industry. Many aerodynamic innovations have been implemented in aircraft construction for some time, such as adjustable wing flaps to accommodate different flight regimes (fast and high, as well as slow and low).
According to Florez, the new upturned winglets of the Boeing 757s are an example of Boeing’s innovative response to fuel consumption concerns, increasing fuel efficiency by five percent. “Winglets reduce turbulence at the tips of an airplane’s wings. The air pressure on the bottom of the wing is greater than the pressure on top, so when air flowing across the two surfaces meets at the wing tip, it forms a vortex (miniature tornado). By breaking up vortices, winglets reduce drag, which translates into fuel savings.” In response to 787 Dreamliner pledge that by 2020, all of its new aircraft will produce 50 percent less carbon dioxide and 80 percent less nitrogen oxides than in 2000, Florez is somewhat sceptical, maintaining that strategic targets are not really feasible at the moment. The advent of bio-fuels may make these targets more achievable.More dramatically, the last year reclaimed the title of world’s biggest-selling plane builder for Boeing from Airbus. The orders came to more than $55b at the current list prices since the launch in April 2004. Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than other aircraft of similar size, Boeing markets the plane as lightweight and fuel-efficient. Much of the fuel savings are achieved through aerodynamic changes to plane design, however Boeing is also the first major airliner to use composite material for most of its construction. As the name suggests, composite materials are produced when two different materials are combined to give a combination of properties that cannot be attained in the original materials. In the aerospace industry, the most commonly used composite is one where the matrix (resin) binds together high strength fibers such as carbon, glass or Kevlar, to produce lighter and more efficient structures. Composite components are significantly stronger and lighter than traditional metallic structures.The Boeing 787 is the most fuel efficient commercial airplane to date. Airbus's new super-jumbo A380 is not even close, according to Florez. The manufacturers do seem to agree on one thing, however: In regard to carbon emissions, it is neither Airbus nor Boeing who can reduce carbon emissions, but rather the engine companies, such as General Electric, Pratt and Whitney and Rolls Royce. Florez believes it is the responsibility of the aircraft engine manufacturers to produce engines that have outstanding efficiency, and the lowest emissions possible. “As a design engineer, I am always striving to design the lightest, most aerodynamic structure, so if the engine is not at the cutting edge of technology, then the aircraft will not be as green as it can be”.Despite the increase in air traffic, it appears that airline carriers are seeking to take on their share of the task of mitigating global warming, but what are the engine guys doing? We’ll have to investigate!

When APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) leaders flew out of Sydney in their private jets, they left behind the legacy of the "Sydney Declaration", hailed by the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard as a historic step in the global fight against climate change. Indeed it is interesting to consider what legacy they left behind, if one worthy of noting at all! Maybe it was clear when George Bush referred to APEC as "OPEC" and then later "IPEC," that the conference wasn’t going to be taken seriously by the world leaders! Australia has recently agreed to make what some view as major changes as a result of this APEC summit. The leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific nations, including the United States, China, Russia and Australia, agreed on September 9 to a non-binding set of “aspirational goals” designed to reduce their contribution to global warming.APEC countries account for around 60 per cent of the world energy demands, and this demand is expected to double by 2030. The Summit represents an important opportunity for some of the world’s largest consumers and suppliers of energy to shape the global agenda on climate change and promote further practical action. All members of the cooperation adopted the ‘Sydney Declaration’ on climate change, which does have some useful targets, such as improving energy efficiency by 25% by 2030, and increasing forest cover in the region by 50 million acres by 2020. A goal which if achieved would store approximately 1.4 billion tons of carbon, or around 11 percent of annual global emissions. Malcolm Turnbull, the environment minister of Australia, said the Sydney Declaration is a significant achievement because it is the first time that China, a major developing world greenhouse gas emitter, has committed to reducing emissions.But is it enough?
Indeed, APEC members have set targets for improving energy efficiency and expanding forests, but nothing in the statement is binding. Julie-Anne Richards from the Climate Action Network says it is too lenient. Greenpeace called the declaration on climate change the ``Sydney Distraction.'' It said the declaration ``distracts from the real solution and ignores the aspirations of the millions of victims of climate change in developing countries.'' The group said the declaration is irrelevant and meaningless in addressing climate change.

As an Australian, I believe that the weak APEC climate declaration is a compelling case for the Australian Government to revisit ratification of Kyoto to ensure Australia’s voice for action on climate change is strengthened in the international arena.And when George Bush later forgot the name of the COUNTRY HE WAS IN (we are not Austria George, that’s in Europe) we knew we were in trouble!What bizarre policies are coming out of your country? Feel free to write a blog entry about what is happening in your countries and send it to me.

If you're mad about motors, then head to the International Motor Show. Frankfurt Motor Show , IAA, is the world's largest of its kind. Many a significant debut has been made here since it first opened its doors as a mini exhibition in 1897, including the first VW Beetle in 1939 and the first turbocharged mass production car in 1977. At the first motor show only eight engine cars were on display. However, with increasing mobility the number of specialized exhibitors has risen rapidly. In 1921 there were 67 manufacturers present while today it amounts to over 1500 exhibitors from 45 countries. This year the show will display passenger vehicles from Sept. 13 through Sept. 23.

The 2007 event promises to be every bit as thrilling as usual. The bi-annual event (it alternates between passenger vehicles one year and commercial vehicles the next) attracted 940,000 people in 2005 and the organisers expect the crowds to swell to over a million for this year's exhibition. 37% of them are professional visitors. Over 12,000 journalists are also expected from around the world.
Although the German manufacturers will have massive exhibition stands, the Frankfurt show offers a world stage for vehicle presentations from of any country. The motor show is one of the most comprehensive shows for the whole industry, which makes it an international platform for those who develop, manufacture or use passenger cars.
Among the highlights of the motor show are interior of cars made out of bamboo! Environmental friendliness, fuel economy and safety are the themes shaping up to dominate this year’s Show, which is expected to be the stage for the debut of at least 16 new production models and roughly the same number of concept vehicles. Club of Pioneers will keep you posted as to what sustainable technology and innovations will drive the future as we are exclusively covering the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.Check out our IAA Technology Special for now

Experience and explore another side to Berlin – from the water!
Solar Water World is the world’s first solar boat "gas" station and rental business. Club of Pioneers was lucky enough to take one of the boats out for a spin!
The Solar station glinting in the summer sunSolar Water World is owned and managed by Thomas Meyer who has been instrumental in the development of solar boats. Mr Meyer was also instrumental in establishing the Institute for solar shipbuilding. The Institute aims to demonstrate the feasibility and market relevance of solar shipbuilding.Mr Meyer envisages solar boat taxis transporting people in and around Berlin. Currently Mr Meyer’s operation in Berlin is obviously targeted at a small minority of the world’s citizens who have the capacity to support such a venture, however, he believes that his technology can contribute to the partial alleviation of global environmental concerns in developing countries. Solar Water World’s ultimate goal is for solar boating to become the norm on all water throughout the world. Currently he is establishing a relationship with the university in Taiwan.
The Club of Pioneers gets picked up at the Kopenick watersideThe boat trip on Müggel Lake allowed us to see the historical Köpenick old town juxtaposed against the modern architecture of the solar boat station. The electric motorboat is powered by solar energy. The emission-free and very quiet boat allowed us an undisturbed view of the local wildlife. Anyone can take a boat out as one doesn’t need a boat driving license for these boats! The boats are slow, but as 12 km/h is the maximum speed allowed on most of Berlin water ways, I must say, it is nice to have an excuse to slow down!
Anna gets behind the wheel
Out on the solar boat we explored the multifaceted south-eastern waterways of Berlin; from the glamorous waterside mansions, to industrial and derelict houses and family residences.
Some sights, like this ruin, can only be seen from the water

Other sights too can only happen here! This guy seems lostThe obvious question is - What happens if the sun goes behind a cloud? Fortunately the solar boats do not depend on the weather alone. Even if the sun doesn't shine, solar energy stored is stored in batteries on the boat.
The solar battery, hidden away yet ever ready!
We had a relaxing and fun day without feeling guilty as all this activity had a low impact on the environment! Although we were still able to tan in the boat, ironically there was always the shade under the roof of solar panels.At present 90% of the world’s goods are carried by sea and world trade is increasing all the time. Carbon dioxide emissions from shipping are double those of aviation and increasing at an alarming rate which will have a serious impact on global warming. Interestingly enough Carbon dioxide emissions from ships do not come under the Kyoto agreement or any proposed European legislation. Mr Meyer believes that commercial shipping running on solar power is viable. Given the enormous amount of unrecognized carbon dioxide emissions from shipping, the idea of commercial shipping running on solar power would be fantastic!Photos by Joni Taylor