Writing Task 2: Essay 11

Nowadays, travelling by air is much cheaper than before and brings freedom, but it also brings some environmental problems. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

In today’s world, people are in a position to enjoy cheaper air flights than in the past. Not surprisingly, there are concerns about how this trend impacts our environment, with some people claiming that pollution has dramatically worsen as a result of increasing air travel. However, those in favour of travelling by air argue that this phenomenon has provided individuals with more liberty to travel around the globe. Both sides will be discussed in this essay before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, the advent of cheap air fare makes it possible for people the world over to travel regularly, regardless of the purpose of the trip. Earlier, only the affluent could afford it, but now it is within the pocket of an ordinary man. In fact, a range of discounted tickets are fairly economical and flying abroad is no longer a dream for many.

In addition to this, the reduction in air travel fares can be seen as a positive event as it promotes intercultural understanding and global harmony, while boosting tourism. For instance, many Middle Eastern states have opened their doors and embraced tourism over the last twenty years and this has helped shed prejudiced views internationally that all Middle Eastern countries are dangerous. Thus, it is comprehensible why escalation in air travel industry is supported by many people.

On the other hand, however, some others contest the above and argue that travelling by air causes severe air pollution, thus affecting the environment negatively. Aeroplanes consume a vast amount of fuel as well as the gas emission generated by an airplane is colossal. If introduction of low-cost air tickets is not controlled, the environmental impacts would only get worse in the long run. Hence, when seen in this light, it is explicable why many people gravitate towards the idea that surge in air travel would have detrimental effect on the atmosphere.

Following this discussion, it is felt that although both point of views have indispensable virtues, proliferation of air travel brings more positive ramifications and enables the individuals to explore the world to a greater extent. However, it is also expected that some measures will be adopted to reduce the pollution caused by aeroplanes.