Heathrow expansion incompatible with UK climate goals unless airlines do more

Britain cannot expand London's Heathrow Airport and still meet its climate targets unless airlines are required to take full responsibility for their emissions, the country's climate advisers said on Wednesday.



Britain's Labour government last year backed a third runway at Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, arguing the project would support economic growth.



Advice published on Wednesday by the Climate Change Committee (CCC), at the government's request, concluded there is no credible pathway under current policies for Heathrow to expand while Britain still meets its target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.



"The government cannot expand Heathrow Airport without requiring the aviation industry to clean up its emissions," CCC Chair Nigel Topping said during a briefing with journalists.