PoS Commissioner's meeting, 12-15-2020, Public Comment, Bernedine Lund, resident of
Federal Way, member of QSPS and volunteer for 350 Seattle Aviation Group 
Hello, everyone, 
It seems that the airline industry considers the only way to operate is to increase the number of
flights. More airports and runways are being planned around the world. This is true even after
more studies are coming out describing the harm, noise, emissions, and CO2 that is harmful to
people and the environment.
The goal to greatly reduce carbon emissions in aviation by 2050, in just 30 years, is not possible
without reducing the number of flights. Any other way airlines approach reducing emissions
does not accomplish the drastic reductions needed. There are several strategies airlines push as
solutions to emissions, such as efficiency improvements, electric and hydrogen fuels, sustainable
aviation fuels like biofuels, and carbon offsets. Unfortunatly these stratgies will not reduce
emissions enough to compensate for the growth in the aviation. The aviation industry would
argue that these strategies will work, but none have been proven.
A recent article from The Washington Post on the U.N.'s 2020 "Emissions Gap" Report states
that the emissions attributed to wealthiest 1% of the global population accounts for more than
double those of the poorest 50%. Researchers found that changing that balance will require
substantial lifestyle changes including a decrease in air travel. 
Decreased air travel is probably something you and most people here cannot imagine. Over 100
years ago people probably did not imagine global flights or cell phones or video meetings.
Covid 19 this year has shown us that many people can now work and meet remotely and no
longer need to travel to interact. As a technology center, Seattle and SeaTac seem poised to take
advantage of virtual meeting and communications and to use other modes of transportation for
tourists. I really hope people will work together to evolve again away from an unsustainable
method of transportation and to a more just and equitable future. Already some European
countries are stopping short flights that can be done by train. More alternatives need to be
developed to reduce aviation travel. As you enjoy the upcoming holidays, think about ways you
can support other modes of transportation that do not harm you and the environment.