Her ambition is welcome. The recent floods and wildfires in Los Angeles are reminders of how bad things can get if we continue to burn dirty fossil fuels and pollute our climate. The good news is that the switch to clean, safe, renewable energy is already well underway.
But it's no surprise that the mayor wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in the region by 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide, while simultaneously increasing the airport's annual passenger capacity to 7 million (or more). We also want to expand. This expansion will add approximately 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. This is a misguided and self-defeating approach to tackling climate change.
If we listen to scientific experts and act on their advice, we can leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.
The UK's Climate Change Committee has repeatedly said that airport expansion should not be allowed as it would only mean more greenhouse gases. I ask the Mayor to think again, accept the facts, and withdraw his support for airport expansion.
Nick Hodgkinson, GALBA Chairman