Sir, We are deeply concerned about the proposed expansion of Bristol international airport which proposes to treble its passenger capacity from 2004 levels by 2030 as part of the national policy to promote the growth of regional airports, outlined in the 2003 White Paper.
This policy has already been widely criticised on the basis that this growth in aviation is incompatible with the UK’s targets to reduce CO2 emissions. In the meantime, the recently published Stern report has given warning of the environmental and economic catastrophes of failing to tackle climate change.
We believe the Government needs to rethink its approach to the development of regional airports such as Bristol if it is to make good its commitment to tackle the causes of climate change. If the expansion of Bristol airport goes ahead, the carbon emissions produced as a result of BIA’s operations will cancel out many of the cuts made by the local authorities in the area.
Although it has been argued that BIA’s expansion would have overriding benefits for the South West’s economy, the reality is a massive tourism deficit for the region of over £60 million, while the promised jobs have yet to benefit deprived local areas, despite BIA’s huge growth since 2000.
PROF VALA RAGNARSDOTTIR
Professor of Environmental Sustainability, University of Bristol
DON FOSTER
MP, Bath
STEPHEN WILLIAMS
MP, Bristol West
JOHN STEWART
Chair, Transport 2000
JOHN GRIMSHAW
Chief Executive, Sustrans