Climate change expert backs Heathrow expansion

Approval of a third runway at Heathrow airport could be back on track after the government’s leading climate change advisor said it may not destroy a pledge to tackle climate change.

Climate Change Committee chairman Lord Turner said it would be possible to expand aviation while still meeting the government’s target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

He said airlines’ use of biofuels or other low carbon fuel sources would help, reported the Guardian.

A decision on the expansion of Heathrow had been expected before Christmas but was thrown into doubt after key environmental experts claimed it would destroy climate change pledges and increase local air and noise pollution.

“It’s possible for the world to cut greenhouse gases while still not cutting aviation by anything like as much, even increase aviation emissions,” Lord Turner said.