Heathrow, Heartache and Hope

It’s not just the governments recent decision on the expansion of Heathrow that leaves me almost lost for words and deeply troubled – it’s the fact that the decision feels so completely at odds with climate change advice and our ambitions to protect our future environment.  In spite of the informed opposition to the plans, the science that is conclusive and all the talk about targets set to reduce carbon emissions  (in this the most important and challenging year in the history of humanity) the UK had shown it’s self to be weak in it’s resolve and happy to bullishly lead us into environmental disaster. Heathrow is like a trigger to a heavily loaded gun.

So what does this decision say to our nation?

Climate Change is not really a problem? That cash today is worth more than life tomorrow? That landmark change and passionate commitment is not really necessary? That we can use monetary gain as an excuse to ignore the warnings and thus continue our environmentally harmful behaviour? Or worse that carbon reduction commitments can be waived if we think that we might lose out financially – great tactic methinks on the road to the UN climate talks in Copenhagen – NOT! What could this trigger – who knows, but just thinking about it makes my heart sink; it actually hurts.

When will our leaders recognise that we will all lose in the end if we are not strong and if we lose the courage of our convictions. You may remember the ‘Act on CO2’ campaign? I’ll remind you – very bad lady getting out of bath causing a nasty black carbon footprint – shame her she should have had a shower etc… Nice slogan… where did that come from… I can just see a flood of black sticky stuff spewing out of the doors of no10. Like Lady Macbeth our leadership will learn to late that once the deed is done no amount of washing will take the stain away and nothing will ‘sweeten this little hand’.

I am but one voice – so if you are listening please set the right example, do the right thing for our country, our children and our future; a carbon reduction commitment is just that – a COMMITMENT. Be bold and give the people in the UK something to believe in and an example to follow.

And of hope… well perhaps the publicity generated through the appeal process will wake everyone up to the fact that all voices are important and if we shout loud enough we may show the world that we are courageous in the face of the world biggest challenge and that we are prepared to put people and planet first – Please do the right thing.