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Heathrow: expansion will seriously threaten the UK's ability to tackle climate change
14 January 2009
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to announce the Government's final decision on building a third runway at Heathrow airport tomorrow (Thursday, 14 January).
Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:
"Expanding Heathrow would shatter the Government's international reputation on climate change - and seriously threaten the UK's ability to meet its targets for cutting emissions."
"We need bold and urgent action to create a low-carbon economy, not more backing for the climate-wrecking activities of the aviation industry."
"The Government must rethink its approach to aviation and invest in cleaner alternatives such as fast rail travel."
Friends of the Earth is deeply concerned that the expansion of Heathrow and other British airports will make it extremely difficult for the UK to meet its legal requirement to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
Notes:
1. A full Friends of the Earth briefing on why the Government must say no to expanding Heathrow is available at www.foe.co.uk/resource/media_briefing/heathrow_no_to_expansion0.pdf
2. A Friends of the Earth briefing on the history of BAA's broken promises on Heathrow is available at www.foe.co.uk/resource/media_briefing/heathrow_broken_promises.pdf
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Feb 2009
