UK Approves Second Gatwick Runway: Can Expansion Meet Climate Goals?

Gatwick Second Runway: Can the UK Expand Airports and Still Hit Climate Targets? The UK government has approved plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport, a move that could lead to an additional 100,000 flights per year. This decision comes as part of a string of planned airport expansions in the UK, including Heathrow's proposed third runway and Luton Airport's expansion. According to estimates, if all these expansions go ahead, they could result in over 376,000 extra flights annually. To put this into perspective, that's equivalent to adding nearly 1,000 new flights every day. The question now is: can the UK expand its airport capacity while still meeting its ambitious climate targets? The UK has committed to becoming net zero by 2050, a goal that requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors, including aviation. In its latest progress report to Parliament, the UK Climate Change Committee (UKCCC) warned that emissions from flying are unlikely to be reduced without major changes. "We need to see significant improvements in aircraft efficiency and fuel consumption," said Dr. Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. "The aviation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and we can't just rely on incremental improvements. We need transformative change." Replacing old aircraft with newer models is one way to reduce emissions. For example, the Airbus A320neo is 15-20% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. However, this alone will not be enough to meet the UK's climate targets. The UKCCC has recommended that the government implement policies to encourage airlines and airports to adopt sustainable practices, such as electric or hybrid aircraft, and investing in carbon capture and storage technology. In a statement, Gatwick Airport said: "We welcome the government's decision to approve our second runway. We believe this will bring significant economic benefits to the region and help meet growing demand for air travel." However, environmental groups have expressed concerns about the impact of airport expansions on local communities and the environment. "The UK is sleepwalking into a climate crisis," said Friends of the Earth's Executive Director, Craig Bennett. "We can't just keep building more runways and expecting to meet our climate targets. It's time for the government to take bold action and prioritize sustainable transport." The next step will be for Gatwick Airport to begin construction on the new runway, which is expected to take several years to complete. The UKCCC will continue to monitor progress towards meeting the country's climate targets. As the aviation sector continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the UK can balance its economic ambitions with its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One thing is certain: significant changes are needed to meet the UK's net zero target by 2050. *Reporting by Bbc.*