Representation by Andrew Philip Ritter
- Date submitted
- 8 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
My overriding objection to the proposal is related to the very significant implications for climate change and impacts on air pollution. The scale of expansion proposed will result in substantial additional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the expanded operations and flights from Gatwick at a time when globally and nationally we are seeking to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and drive towards a net zero economy. I think that any economic benefits argued for in expanding the airport and its operations will be negated by the negative impacts on global carbon emissions (and global warming) harm to the local environment and negative impact on wellbeing and health of residents. Technologies for reducing aviation emissions at scale do not currently exist and are unlikely to in the near future so it is unrealistic to reference these as a way of seeing longer term reduction in GHG emissions. Additionally carbon emissions will also result from construction works and increased road traffic to the airport further contributing to a material impact on the UK’s ability to meet its carbon reduction targets and contribute meaningfully to global GHG emission reduction. Additional flights and traffic will make air pollution worse in the local area. We already have high levels of bronchial conditions in the area and as an asthmatic I know only too well how this can adversely affect children and adults living in this area.