10 Reasons

A little bit like FAQ’s; 10 topics covering the backgroud and arguments surrounding airport expansion.

• Jobs

Airports often attempt to justify expansion with promises of job creation. However, these projections are often shown to be overly optimistic, with significantly fewer actual jobs being created. 'One Million Climate Jobs Now', a report from Campaign against Climate Change, outlines how 1,000,000 genuinely sustainable jobs could be created in industries which directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Government investment in these 'climate jobs' would provide secure work which would play a vital role in tackling climate change.

• Climate justice

In terms of damage to the climate, flying is 10 times worse than taking the train. It's responsible for 13 per cent of the UK's impact on the climate (the government's figures). And it's the fastest growing source of emissions in the UK; between 1990 and 2050, emissions from aviation are set to quadruple, which scientists say could wipe out all other emissions savings we make in every other sector

• Economy

In every region except London, more money is taken out of the country by Britons flying abroad than is brought in by visitors. In the North West alone, this 'tourism deficit' amounts to the loss of 94000 jobs in tourism, or an estimated financial loss of £2.2 billion. Recent studies show that airports' contributions to local economies are limited, and that the benefits they do have on localities do not rely on continual expansion of the airport.

• Tax Justice 

The aviation industry pays no tax on aviation fuel, no VAT on its transactions and no duty on its consumer goods, which amounts to a tax subsidy of £9 billion a year. In the current economic climate, the aviation industry still receives special treatment, taking money out of communities and public spending at a time when it is most needed.

• Local homes 

Residents to the south of Manchester Airport at Hasty Lane and Sunbank Lane face eviction from their homes to make way for new warehouses, office units and carparking spaces.  Many say they were not adequately consulted on the plans until they had already been decided.

• Noise

Noise pollution from aircraft, which affects millions of people in this country, is not only inconvenient and disruptive, but is a real health concern, with heightened stress levels, disrupted sleep and high blood pressure increasing the risk of heart attack for those who live near airports by up to 30%.

• Growth for growth’s sake

Endless economic growth is impossible on a finite planet, and is causing massive environmental damage. However, it is at the core of how our economy is organised, with mainstream politicians refusing to take measures to tackle climate change. We must stop choosing short-term economic gain for a few people at the expense of much greater long-term environmental and economic damage for a much larger group.

• Social inequalities and aviation

Aviation benefits the wealthiest members of society the most, while the poorest, who are far less likely to participate in international air travel, are disproportionately negatively affected by the industry. On a global scale, those in the global South, who have benefited the least from the current world economy, are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

• Biodiversity 

Important wildlife habitats are scheduled for destruction, or likely to be affected by airport expansion, including former Green Belt land, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and areas of ancient woodland. Development in these areas interrupts the natural movements of species and harms their chance of survival, and while developers often make claims about 'mitigating' habitat damage, this is no substitute for leaving habitats untouched.

• Peak oil