Star date: 28th February 2020

AFTER HEATHROW RUNWAY DECISION CAMPAIGNERS TURN ATTENTION TO MANCHESTER AIRPORT

In the wake of a court ruling that Heathrow's plan to build a third runway is unlawful, Greater Manchester Climate Action Network has issued a statement warning of "a gathering storm for the aviation industry" and calling on Manchester Airport and its shareholders, which include Salford City Council, "to reconsider any such growth in aviation" as it will not be compatible with the UK's legal obligations under the Climate Change Act.

Full details here...

'There will be no prosperity under conditions of climate collapse...'

There are big words all over the place from Salford City Council on climate change. The Council has declared a 'climate emergency', and on all Council decisions there is now a section on 'Climate Change Implications'.

Yet Salford City Council is still sat on the Greater Manchester Pension Fund management panel as the Fund invests in fossil fuels, and still has a large stake in Manchester Airport worth over £52million (plus £20.13million 'credit risk exposure') and £9.5million worth of land ownership there.

Today, in the wake of Heathrow Airport's plan to build a third runway being ruled unlawful, the Greater Manchester Climate Action Network is calling on Manchester Airport Group, plus its shareholders including Manchester Council and Salford City Council, "to reconsider any such growth in aviation since it is not compatible with the UK's legal obligations under the Climate Change Act...

"This ruling is a reminder to planners that the country's commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions must be taken into account when considering development proposals, and it should be a warning to airport owners that they have a responsibility to everyone to align their plans with the scientific evidence on climate change" the Network adds "Airports can no longer ignore their immense contribution to the global climate crisis."

The Network points out that Manchester Airport Group has 'ambitious plans to grow its passenger market from 23 million trips per annum in 2015 to 45 million' and that it is not compatible with local councils' plan to become carbon neutral in the near future.

"Here in Greater Manchester, we are set to open a £1billion airport terminal later this year" it explains "We urge our civic leaders and the Manchester Airport Group to consider how this legal ruling, and recent decisions of other councils nationwide to say no to airport expansion indicate a gathering storm for the aviation industry and to take smarter next steps towards a truly low carbon future economy in Greater Manchester.

"No nation, government or organisation which takes climate change seriously should consider increasing the capacity of an airport" it warns "Potential economic benefits, based on speculative assessments, are simply not grounds to authorise expansion of large, carbon-intensive infrastructure. On the contrary, the scientific evidence strongly indicates that a path must be found to radically reduce aviation. We recognise this is a serious challenge for economies and localities that are dependent on aviation, and Manchester is no exception. However, we remind those in leadership positions that there will be no prosperity under conditions of climate collapse..."

See also previous Salford Star article Manchester Airport Protest Trial - click here

Main graphic is an original 1990s flyer used in the 'Swampy protest' against Manchester Airport's second runway