CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIVISTS BLOCKADE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Activists from Manchester Climate Action and Manchester Plane Stupid have
blockaded the security check-in of terminal 3 of Manchester Airport.
Passengers are being denied access to the departure lounge by seven
activists locked together using arm-tube devices. Two banners have been
unfurled reading, “Manchester City Council...supporting climate chaos” and
“Domestic flights cost the Earth”. Other protesters are leafleting
passengers with information about aviation and climate change as well as
handing out train timetables for route destinations.

Aviation is the fastest growing source of green house gases and according
to the government is responsible for 13% of the UK's global warming
contribution [1]. The overwhelming majority of flights from terminal 3 are
to domestic UK destinations such as London Heathrow. These are the most
unnecessary flights. The group are calling for an end to all domestic and
short-haul flights and for international aviation to be included in the
Climate Change Bill.

The protesters are also highlighting the contradiction between Manchester
City Council's 'Green City' initiative and their 55% ownership of
Manchester airport . The airport intends to expand its annual passenger
numbers from 22 million in 2005, to 39 million by 2015, to 50 million by
2030. [2]

Green Party Councillor Vanessa Hall, who is taking part in the blockade said,

“Manchester Council say we need the income from the airport to fight
poverty. The Airport costs the people of Manchester in tax breaks and
subsidies – this money should be invested directly into green industries
directly creating jobs and relieving poverty.
Climate Change will have a massive impact on our economy, health and
well-being.
It is environmental and economic lunacy to consider any expansion of
aviation.
We can't be a Green City with an expanding Airport.
I am blockading domestic flights to highlight the true cost of flying and
to call the council to account for their hypocrisy.”

The action today was inspired by the Camp for Climate Action which saw
around 2000 protesters gather next to Heathrow airport in London this
summer.

Robbie Gillett, also present at the protest said, “It is no longer
socially acceptable to fly from Manchester to London given what we know
about climate change. It's absurd when there are train alternatives
readily available. The money earmarked for the expansion of British
airports needs to be redirected towards improving our rail infrastructure.
We're the last generation who can stop climate change and time is running
out.”

ends

Notes to Editors
[ 1 ]. Source : www.aef.org.uk/campaigns/detail.php?art_id=579
[ 2 ] Source: 'Manchester Airport Draft Master Plan to 2030'. page 39