5th April 08: Joint Action to Highlight Climate Bill

SLWDM teamed up with South Lakes Friends of the Earth and Kendal Mayor Gwen Murfin to highlight the dire need for aviation to be included in the forthcoming UK Climate Change Bill.

According to the Government's own figures, aviation currently accounts for 5.5% of UK emissions (2004). However, this figure does not include the damaging effect emission of greenhouse gases have at higher altitude (the Uplift Factor), nor does it include return flights. When these are taken into account, the figure is nearer 20%. The average return flight is equivalent to driving to work and back for a whole year!

The Government also plansplans to build new runways at Heathrow, Stansted, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as a planned doubling of capacity at Manchester airport. Closer to home, there are plans to expand Carlisle airport to include a new passenger terminal.

Other studies have also shown that, if the Government is to meet it's current target of 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, all sectors wil have to become near carbon neutral in order to compensate for the increased emissions from aviation. Aviation must be included in the Climate Change Bill and its expansion must be halted if the Government's policy on climate change is to have any basis in reality.