Expansion of English airports could threaten climate commitments – report

(The Guardian, 21 May 2021) Impact on climate of expansion plans at regional airports has been underestimated, report finds.

The climate impact of expansion plans at regional airports in England has been dramatically underestimated and would threaten the UK’s legally binding commitments, according to a report published ahead of a key summit later this year.

The study from the New Economics Foundation (NEF) calculated that proposals to expand four airports in England will lead to an increase in emissions up to eight times higher than previously claimed.

The report also found that plans to expand Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton and Stansted airports had overestimated their economic benefit – ignoring up to £13.4bn worth of climate damage the plans could cause.

Alex Chapman, the author of the report, said the findings raised concerns about the level of scrutiny the proposals had received.

“The secretary of state should step in and conduct an independent review of all four of these proposals and their compatibility with the UK’s climate targets,” he added.

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The Guardian, 21 May 2021: Expansion of English airports could threaten climate commitments – report