1. Is Climate Change material to the application? Planning Policy Statement 1, Section 13 –“to ensure that development plans and decisions taken on planning applications contribute to the delivery of sustainable development… –“in line with the principles for sustainable development set out in the UK strategy… –“addressing the causes and potential impacts of climate change…”

2. Guiding Principles of Sustainable Development

3. Climate Change – the environmental limit 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 (Energy White Paper 2003) UK’s contribution to stabilising atmospheric CO2 at 550 ppm, intended to limit global surface temperature rise to 2°C (EU target) 2°C taken as threshold of ‘dangerous climate change’

4. HOWEVER: more recent research indicates: Serious damage even below 2°C (melting of Greenland ice sheet; widespread bleaching of coral reefs etc 450 ppm or lower necessary to meet 2°C -> 80% cut Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change 2006 UK Climate Change Programme 2006 Climate Change – the environmental limit

6. Is emissions trading enough? DfT target: –“We intend to press for the inclusion of intra-EU air services in the forthcoming EU emissions trading scheme… with a view to aviation joining the scheme from 2008…” –“may not provide a total solution” NB – not an environmental target

7. Is emissions trading enough? Likely scheme: –Begin in 2013, not 2008 –Cap aimed at Kyoto targets not 60% cut –Cheap emissions ‘reductions’ purchased from developing countries –Restricted geographical coverage –Free allocation of permits up to existing level of pollution –CO2 only –Price rise on a ticket in range 70p - £1.50 –Effect on emissions….?

8. “Yes, it would allow them to continue to grow” Andrew Sentance, Chief Economist and Head of Environmental Affairs at British Airways, quoted in the Independent 30/06/06

9. Summary Deep carbon cuts required across all sectors Current central Govt policy an inadequate response to growth in aviation emissions Solution tomorrow cannot be used to justify expanding capacity today Local authorities have a vital role….

10. Uttlesford District