Greta Thunberg, a prominent climate activist, joined forces with local residents and members of Extinction Rebellion to demonstrate against an airport’s proposed expansion.
Farnborough Airport Ltd has requested permission from Rushmoor borough council to raise the annual flight limit from 50,000 to 70,000. The Swedish environmental activist participated in the protest march from Farnborough town centre in Hampshire to Farnborough airport.
The team lit pink smoke flares and displayed banners while advocating for a complete prohibition on private jets, citing them as being up to 30 times more environmentally damaging than commercial planes.
Greta Thunberg stated that the current acceptance of using private jets, despite the pressing climate crisis, is completely out of touch with reality. She believes this is a prime example of how the wealthy are prioritizing their luxurious and destructive lifestyles over the well-being of our planet, both now and in the future.
If the airport plans are given the green light, there will be a significant rise in non-weekday flights from 8,900 to 18,900 per year and larger planes will be permitted to utilize the airport. Farnborough airport claims to have a much smaller environmental impact compared to traditional commercial airports, despite being a major source of employment in the area.
The plans will be reviewed by the Rushmoor Borough Council in the month of March.
According to Todd Smith, a previous pilot for an airline and a representative for Extinction Rebellion, air travel is the most rapid method of contributing to global warming and private jets are the most environmentally damaging means of flying.
“Isn’t it obvious that in the face of a climate crisis, banning private jets and halting the growth of luxurious airports should be a priority? Numerous surveys and citizens’ assemblies have consistently demonstrated that this action would be highly favored and widely supported by the public.”
Sarah Hart, a resident of Farnborough and a mother of two, expressed shock at the airport’s proposal to expand. She believes that instead of expanding, private flying should be completely prohibited in order to prioritize creating a sustainable world for future generations.
A representative from Farnborough airport stated that the location serves as a significant point for business aviation connections, with most flights being used for business and corporate travel.
He stated that the airport has a significantly smaller environmental impact compared to a typical commercial airport, yet it is a major source of employment in the area. He acknowledged the significance of consistently reducing their environmental footprint and mentioned that they are one of the few UK airports to have reached level four-plus in the airport carbon accreditation program.
Source: theguardian.com
