News

Expert comments on air travel pollution issues surrounding Heathrow expansion

(14 August 2007)

A Durham University climate change lecturer highlights the environmental problems caused by air traffic.

Dr James Casford, from the Department of Geography, makes the comments as the Camp for Climate Action campaign gets underway to protest against plans to expand Heathrow airport. Dr Casford said: “Growth in air travel and particularly long haul flights are a particular problem for our climate. “The burning of kerosene (jet fuel) produces both carbon dioxide and water vapour, both of which are potent greenhouse gases. “Not only that, it injects these gases directly where they will have the most effect and distant from the recycling systems at Earth’s surface that might ameliorate these effects.“