Flying Green

Christopher de Bellaigue is a historian and journalist known for his reporting and books on the Middle East and environmental and ethical issues. He is the author of many books, including Patriot of Persia, The Islamic Enlightenment, and The Lion House, and a frequent contributor to the Economist, the New York Review of Books, and the Guardian. He is the recipient of a British Foreign Press Award and the Washington Institute Prize. He lives in London.

One of the Financial Times’ books to read in 2023“[De Bellaigue’s] reporting is far more engaging than conventional accounts of efforts to make flying safer for the planet.” —Financial Times“De Bellaigue assesses current efforts to decarbonize jet fuel and find alternative fuels for flying in this rigorous account.” —New York Times“An exciting read that gives climate-minded travelers reason to hope that positive change is in the near future.” —Kirkus Reviews“An excellent overview of the current state of play and the possibilities for more rapid change.” —Literary Review“A snappy yet detailed guide to the challenges aviation faces in a world trying to transition away from fossil fuels.” —Geographical“Planetary mobility has been a remarkable gift in many ways—and at the moment a remarkable curse as well, as it helps overheat the planet. This is a fine catalogue of possible ways out (I favor the blimp) that will make for great reading on your next Amtrak trip.” —Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org“Everyone who gets on a plane and knows about the catastrophic threat posed by global heating asks themselves if there is a green way to fly. Christopher de Bellaigue sets out the options in this excellent book.” —Tony Juniper, environmentalist“Flying Green tells an inspiring, deeply researched and dynamic story of the future of aviation. It’s a brilliant exploration of an industry in rapid transition with a dizzying array of new possibilities, providing us all with the hope of guilt-free flying again. Take it on your next flight!” —Jeremy Oppenheim, founder, SYSTEMIQ“Exceptionally timely, and a remarkable combination of great writing and technical depth.” —Richard Aboulafia, managing director, AeroDynamic