One of the big news in the British media at the moment is the protest against the bulding of a new runway at Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest aiports in the world. The protesters’ point is simple: if the government really is serious about climate change, how can it allow for further increase in air traffic, one of the biggest sources of carbon emission in the world?
As usual, the British government has responded with its typical heavy-handedness. For a country that likes to brag about being the cradle of democracy, England is really bad with protesters. Get more than 10 people together with some placards, and 100 robot-like policemen descend upon them as if they would set the world ablaze. The national newspaper Independent has an article that paints a good picture of the movement at Heathrow.
The political symbolism attached to these protests is enormous and its outcome will have global repercussion. So let’s hope that the powers that be put the money where their mouth is and act coherently. You can’t fight climate change and increase flying. It’s a paradox, full stop.
