 Plans to build a third runway at London's congested Heathrow Airport hit a snag Tuesday when Greenpeace and other environmental activists announced they had purchased a substantial plot of land where the planned runway would be built.
The group, which includes Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson and prominent comedian Alistair McGowan, announced Tuesday it had purchased a plot of land on ground earmarked for a proposed third runway at Europe's busiest airport.
Thompson, one of Britain's best-known actress, said she had joined the group that purchased the land because it was "hypocritical" for the government to promise to reduce greenhouse gases while greatly increasing air traffic capacity.
"I don't understand how any government remotely serious about committing to reversing climate change can even consider these ridiculous plans," she said, vowing that the new owners would move to the property and defend it if necessary.
John Sauven, director of Greenpeace, has this to say, "The legal owners of the site will block the runway at every stage through the planning process and in the courts," he said. "They will never sell the land to Spanish-owned airport operator BAA, and if it comes to it many thousands of people will be prepared to peacefully defend their field in person, standing in front of bulldozers and blocking construction."
Advocates say the new project would allow Heathrow to maintain its prominence as an international hub while opponents say it would scuttle Britain's ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions.
Find out more about Airplot at Greenpeace UK.Labels: carbon emissions, greenpeace, london |
