Representation by Tim Beesley
- Date submitted
- 12 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Unlimited expansion by the aviation industry is at complete odds with the need to reduce CO2 emissions and to reach net zero by 2050. It is widely accepted that the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not a feasible solution; there's simply not enough biological material to produce more than a small fraction of the fuel that the industry currently uses, never mind enough to cope with the vast expansion proposed by this industry. Hydrogen is not a solution within timescales that are available. Development of current airliner models using currently available technology takes decades. Development of hydrogen powered aircraft is a completely revolutionary concept and with current technology it is still a highly theoretical concept. Furthermore the fuel would have to be green H2 or H2 from Carbon Capture and Storage. Neither of these technologies are currently available at scale. Then there is the pollution to consider. Emissions from aircraft cause respiratory infections and illness. None of this is paid for by the airline industry. Wil residents of the region be eligible for compensation for damage to their health? What about the effect of night flights on sleep. Sleep deprivation caused by noise pollution on a long-term scale is recognised as a cause of much ill health, including cancer. Finally, such a large scale expansion will cause large scale increases in traffic movements across the region. This engenders further pollution from motor vehicle's exhaust, brake and tyre emissions. Roads will need to be expanded. Will the airport pay for all of this and compensate those effected? The polluter should pay. All of this is completely at odds with 2050 net zero obligations for the nation and also at odds with the common sense need to enhance our environment and improve our nation's health. Please do not permit this insane project.