Airport Expansions Undermine Labour’s Climate Moonshot

The UK’s Labour government is facing some hard choices in a poorly performing economy. One such choice is between a commitment to combating climate change and grabbing a slice of some sweet aviation industry growth.

The government appears to be leaning towards the latter. According to Bloomberg News, ministers are preparing to approve expansions to three London airports, after allowing London City Airport to increase its annual passenger cap in August. Though a government spokesman said that “proposals must demonstrate they contribute to economic growth…while remaining in line with existing environmental obligations,” there’s reason to doubt the notion that reducing emissions and expanding airports can really go hand in hand.