As government ministers in the UK were approving plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport, Greenpeace and other environmental campaigners were busy buying up land on the proposed site of the new runway.
The campaign to stop the expansion of Heathrow was, controversially, given a boost by the inclusion of some big names on the deeds including Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson, and wealthy Conservative advisor Zac Goldsmith.
Some people condemned the action as hypocritical, questioning things like “how many air-miles Emma Thompson clocks up”, but there’s no doubt that, together with TV impressionist Alistair McGowan, it raised the profile of the campaign to stop the third runway at Heathrow.
A stroke of genius!
The action really is a stroke of genius, designed to frustrate planners and hinder the planning process, as well as adding to the cost of the project by forcing expensive legal action.
In order to complicate things further, Greenpeace are inviting us all to join the plot and get a piece of the action! So here’s your chance to become part of the landowning classes, with thousands of others, in an effort to stop the expansion of Heathrow airport.
Do we need a third runway?
Do we need a third runway at Heathrow? Short answer, no! The expansion has been opposed every step of the way by residents, politicians, scientists and environmentalists. Businesses and Unions back the plan on economic grounds but opponents argue it will make it impossible to meet our commitment to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.
“Expanding Heathrow would shatter the government’s international reputation on climate change” Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth
There’s no doubt that an increase in capacity at Heathrow, or any other airport, will simply mean an increase in air traffic and the associated carbon emissions – something the planet and future generations definitely don’t need!
Legal challenge
A legal challenge now seems like the only option, and there’s strength in numbers. To voice your opposition to a third runway at Heathrow and get your share of the plot, head on over to the Greenpeace website and register your name.
You don’t have to pay anything, it’s simply to complicate the legal process for the planners and it is, as yet, unclear as too what the implications are. But you can rest assured that lawyers at Greenpeace are working hard to make the action as effective as possible.
There’s a great debate on the sign-up page too. You can show your support or share your views there, or you can have your say right here at Green Pepper by leaving a comment for others to read. Either way, what are you waiting for? Join the plot to stop the Heathrow expansion now!
7 comments… read them below or add yours now
As always, Greenpeace comes up with another cool idea to help save the planet! I’ve got my piece of the plot (Emma Thompson’s not having it all to herself) and I’m proud to be obstructing the building of a third runway at Heathrow :)
I do think that London needs more capacity (don’t shoot me), but I don’t think expanding Heathrow is the way to do it. However, I think improving UK rail networks would reduce the need for domestic flights and I disagree with demolishing Sipson. (via Twitter)
A valiant effort, but will it stop the runway being built?
“…as well as adding to the cost of the project by forcing expensive legal action” – you want to waste valuable goverment money?!! (via Twitter)
@Katy: A very cool idea! Glad to hear you’ve got your piece ;-)
@Rachael English: Welcome to Green Pepper and thanks for commenting! It’s good to get a balanced view.
@B Williams: Well, it remains to be seen but we’ll do all we can to put obstacles in the way!
@Mulers: Thanks for the comment and welcome to Green Pepper! I think the government does a fine job of wasting taxpayers’ money all on their own. They could, however, save us and themselves billions of pounds by cancelling the third runway now!
‘Backing nuclear power and Heathrow expansion is a disgrace. Wreaking havoc on the environment in the name of jobs is without vision and a falsehood.
An immediate public works programme building schools, hospitals, council houses and raliways would create 100,000 jobs. Renewable energies such as wind, sea and solar can provide a million new jobs’, argues Jerry Hicks
Why greens should back Jerry Hicks
@Derek Wall: Welcome to Green Pepper and thanks for sharing your views. “Wreaking havoc on the environment in the name of jobs” is indeed short-sighted. And, as you (or Jerry Hicks) point out, there are alternatives.