Archived press release

Halt airport expansion now

14 March 2008

Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport is being officially opened by the Queen this morning.

Friends of the Earth objects to airport expansion because

• Airport expansion will increase flights and raise carbon dioxide emissions

• Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK

• Unless we tackle aviation growth scientists warn that we may not meet our climate targets

• Improving fast rail travel is a viable alternative

Friends of the Earth says Terminal 5 must be the last airport expansion. It is calling for a freeze in airport growth in Britain and for the UK share of carbon dioxide emissions from international flights to be included in the Climate Change Bill. [1]

Commenting on the opening of Terminal 5, Friends of the Earth's aviation campaigner Richard Dyer said:

"Aviation is a one of the fastest growing sources of UK carbon emissions. If the Government is serious about tackling climate change the opening of Terminal 5 must mark the end of airport expansion in Britain. Further expansion of Heathrow would be environmentally irresponsible and isn't necessary for the economy of London. The Government must abandon its plans for a third runway and Terminal 6. It should invest in fast rail links and ensure that Britain's share of international aviation emissions is included in its new climate change law."

Notes

[1] Last year almost two thirds of all MPs (412) signed Early Day Motion 178 calling for new climate change legislation "so that annual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of three per cent can be delivered". As a result, the government announced a Climate Change Bill in the Queen's Speech in November 2006 and published the first draft on 13 March 2007.

The law is important but it needs beefing up if the UK is going to play its part in tackling climate change. The Government won't make a decision on whether to strengthen the law for another two years.

Friends of the Earth wants a strong law introduced straight away. This would include:

• Bigger cuts: The Government proposes 60 percent cuts of carbon dioxide by 2050. There is wide scientific recognition there needs to be reductions of at least 80 percent.

• Annual targets: The Government wants five-year milestones for reducing carbon dioxide. We want shorter, annual targets - to hold Parliament to account now and in the future.

• Aviation and shipping: International flights and shipping emissions are excluded. We need these to be included as they are the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide emissions.

Further info at: www.thebigask.com

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust