The Flight Free Podcast: Aviation and Wildlife
Provided by: Flight Free UK|Published on: July 12, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Podcasts
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Flight Free UK
Location: Earth, Europe
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This podcast explains how airport expansion causes biodiversity loss, especially among birds.
- Students will learn how airports increase noise pollution, light pollution, and habitat loss, making it difficult for animals to survive.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The podcast features an interview with scientists and activist Dr. Jennifer Jones, who explains how an expansion of the Liverpool Airport will damage the surrounding wildlife.
- Students will learn about several environmental problems that airports cause, such as dangerous runoff caused by deicing chemicals and bird strikes.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the effects of habitat loss on biodiversity.
- The podcast can be downloaded.
Differentiation
- Students could research local airports to find out what kinds of wildlife live in the vicinity. Students could learn about how the airport affects wildlife in the area.
- Economics classes could discuss how people are often interested in expanding airports because it means more jobs for the community. Students could discuss environmentally sustainable alternatives to airport jobs.
- Other resources on this topic include this Khan Academy video on how human activity threatens biodiversity, this video on the collapse of biodiversity, and this interactive map of airport-related injustice and resistance.
The podcast raises awareness of how aviation growth affects wildlife, plants, biodiversity, ecological habitats, and climate change. Nocturnal animals, birds, and wildlife are negatively impacted by artificial illumination at the airport. This is a great resource that should be taught in the classroom.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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