Heathrow Expansion Plans Leave Climate Advice Unanswered by Ministers

Ministers Yet to Seek Climate Advice on Heathrow Expansion The UK government's climate change advisory panel has yet to be formally asked to assess the impact of plans to expand Heathrow airport on carbon emissions targets, despite the government's commitment to lowering emissions to net zero by 2050. According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), it would provide a view on the expansion if advice was requested. The committee is required by law to assess whether the UK will meet its target and has repeatedly cautioned against airport expansion. The government said in a statement that it was assessing initial proposals for Heathrow expansion and would engage with the CCC during the process. However, ministers can ask the CCC for ad-hoc advice on specific policy issues but are under no legal duty to follow it. Lord Deben, a former CCC chairman, expressed concerns about the impact of airport expansion on emissions targets. "There is limited space for aviation growth without emissions reductions," he said. "If they give planning permission for expansion of Heathrow that inevitably means there will be less opportunity for other airports in Britain." The government's decision to expand Heathrow has been met with opposition from environmental groups and some lawmakers, who argue it would undermine the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Background on the issue shows that the CCC has consistently warned against airport expansion due to its impact on emissions targets. In a 2020 report, the committee stated that "aviation growth is incompatible with meeting our climate change target" unless significant reductions in emissions are made. The government's stance on Heathrow expansion is part of a broader debate about the role of aviation in reducing carbon emissions. While some argue that airport expansion is necessary for economic growth and job creation, others contend it would undermine efforts to meet the UK's climate targets. The current status of the Heathrow expansion plans remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for when ministers will seek advice from the CCC or make a decision on the proposal. *Reporting by Bbc.*