Heathrow - Climate Wrecker !

Climate wreckers

Climate change is the biggest threat facing the planet. The lives of millions will be affected. Half the population of Bangladesh could be flooded out and all the aid to Africa could be negated. In Britain, flooding in some places and drought in others will disrupt lives and cost us billions.

Aviation is the fastest growing emitter of greenhouse gases, which lead to climate change. Yet this year the government will decide whether to vastly increase the number of flights and to further expand Heathrow.

To find out more and to take action, see summary below or see briefing (Word document, 3 pages).

Heathrow is the world's busiest international airport. Despite this, the Government intends to expand Heathrow with a third runway and a sixth terminal.

Heathrow flights already pump 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere every year. An increased anmount would use up a significant proportion of the UK's total allowable emissions and would make it virtually impossible to meet our obligations on climate change.

The conclusion is stark. Aviation growth at this rate will mean that, to avoid the most serious impacts, we will have to stop all emissions from our homes, from other transport and from industry. Otherwise it will be impossible for the UK to meet its climate obligations.

Or ... we can start acting now to slow the growth of aviation.

In 2006 the Government intends to review aviation policy generally and decide whether to expand Heathrow further. Have your say!

* Write to your MP asking for an urgent re-think of the government's policy on aviation
* Support the Big Ask campaign
* For local action and more information contact us. E-mail 'local groups' or 'webmaster' or phone 020 8357 8426.

Links

Heathrow introduction
Climate introduction

(Updated Nov 06)