“Who’s calling who a Chameleon?” ask green activists - 19th April 2006
Whilst Gordon Brown has used a speech to promote his green credentials today, green campaigners are critical of his record.
The Chancellor has indicated his determination to build a third runway at Heathrow, launching a new study aimed at "identifying solutions that would allow" the runway to be built. (1)
This is despite the fact that aviation is the fastest growing cause of climate change. According to calculations by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, aviation’s emissions alone would exceed the government’s target for the country’s entire output of greenhouse gases in 2050 by around 134%. (2)
Joss Garman, spokesperson for campaign group, Plane Stupid (3), explained, “Gordon Brown’s support for airport expansion, and the fact he seems to be making a third runway at Heathrow his pet project, speaks for itself. Who’s calling who a Chameleon?”
He added, “In the face of climate science and what he has witnessed in Norway, Cameron’s challenge is to firmly call for a moratorium on airport expansion.”
Notes for editors
- http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,11026,1676165,00.html
- http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2006/02/28/we-are-all-killers/
- Plane Stupid is a direct action group of residents and environmentalists opposing airport expansion
