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The UK government’s advisory body on climate change has stated that it has not yet been formally requested to evaluate the potential impact of Heathrow Airport’s expansion plans on national carbon emission targets.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) informed the BBC that it would offer its expert opinion on the proposed construction of a third runway at Heathrow, should such guidance be solicited.
The government has affirmed that the expansion must adhere to the UK’s legally mandated objective of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050.
The CCC is legally obligated to assess the feasibility of meeting this target and has consistently expressed reservations regarding airport expansion projects.
According to the government, it is currently reviewing initial proposals for the Heathrow expansion and intends to consult with the committee throughout the process.
While ministers have the discretion to seek ad-hoc advice from the CCC on specific policy matters, they are not legally bound to adhere to its recommendations.
Lord Deben, a former chairman of the CCC, has cautioned that “limited space for aviation growth” exists without substantial emissions reductions.
“If they give planning permission for expansion of Heathrow that inevitably means there will be less opportunity for other airports in Britain,” Lord Deben stated.
“This must be a sensible, logical decision and the CCC must be involved in giving advice.”
Greenpeace UK has asserted that there is a clear imperative for independent experts from the committee “to assess the real risks and costs of any expansion.”
“Any attempt to side-step them would show a complete lack of confidence in Labour’s stated position regarding the tests a new runway needs to pass, and more importantly, miss the legal requirement for UK carbon reductions,” stated Dr. Douglas Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK.
The CCC also disclosed to the BBC that it has not been asked to provide guidance on any potential future expansion of Gatwick Airport.
A decision regarding the proposed construction of a second runway at Gatwick is anticipated in the coming weeks, following Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s expression of being “minded to approve” the expansion in February.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in January of this year that the Labour government was endorsing plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Reeves stated that the Heathrow expansion, which has been delayed for decades due to environmental concerns, would “make Britain the world’s best connected place to do business” and stimulate economic growth.
At the time, the government declared that the expansion “must be delivered in line with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations.”
The expansion of Heathrow has long faced opposition from environmental groups and is expected to encounter resistance and potential legal challenges, particularly due to its environmental impact.
In July, the CEO of Heathrow Airport, Thomas Woldbye, maintained that the expansion proposal aligns with the aviation industry’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
However, he acknowledged that government planning permission would be contingent upon adherence to legal emissions limits.
The government intends to review planning guidelines that will inform its decisions regarding the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick, and other major airports.
Testifying before Members of Parliament this week, the CCC’s chief economist, Dr. James Richardson, stated that it is not too late to influence the review, which has yet to be initiated.
However, Labour MP Barry Gardiner expressed serious concerns that the CCC was “acquiescing in what the government is planning for aviation.”
He questioned the government’s decision not to seek the CCC’s advice prior to announcing its support for Heathrow’s expansion.
The Climate Change Committee’s most recent advice on aviation emissions was provided in the Seventh Carbon Budget.
The budget, published in February, indicated that the sector can achieve net-zero emissions through the deployment of sustainable aviation fuel, the electrification of aircraft, and the management of flight demand growth.
However, the committee recommended limiting airport expansion to mitigate emissions and cautioned that the development of low-carbon aviation technologies remains “uncertain.”
“The aviation sector needs to take responsibility for its emissions reaching net zero by 2050,” the committee stated.
“The cost of decarbonising aviation and addressing non-CO2 effects should be reflected in the cost to fly. This will help manage growth in aviation demand in line with net zero.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The government is assessing initial proposals on Heathrow expansion – a significant step towards unlocking growth, creating jobs, and delivering vital national infrastructure to drive forward our Plan for Change.
“The assessment of proposals is being conducted to support the forthcoming Airports National Policy Statement review, and we will engage the Climate Change Committee throughout this process.
“We have been clear any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments, and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.”
Additional reporting by BBC transport correspondent Katy Austin
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