In recent years, we've seen a movement passionately backing efforts to save the planet from irreversible climate change.
Photo: PA
So it's understandable why it felt like a bit of a step backwards when I heard the news this morning about the latest developments in the plans to expand Heathrow.
World leading climate scientists warned there is just 12 years for global warming to be prevented before it reaches a point that would make the risk of flooding, extreme weather and drought more likely.
So what do we do? Continue with the plans to plonk another runway on our biggest airport in the country and increase flight capacity by almost double.
Of course I use the word 'plonk' to convey my disaproval and frustration. It's absolutely not that easy, in fact, it would take over three decades for the proposed plans to be completed.
What do the plans actually involve?
The “masterplan” which was published today revealed that the airport aims to construct a third runway by 2026, with a completion date in 2050.
The plan details how rivers will be diverted, the M25 will require rerouting through a tunnel under the new runway, and roads will also be moved to accommodate the extension.
But nothing is set in stone yet - these proposals are open to public consultation until September 13th this year.
Who thinks what?
Of course there are opposing views on the airport expansion.
Campaign groups have emerged to vocalise their objections to the runway being built. The Stop Heathrow Expansion group has three main aims, as stated on their website. These are; primarily to stop the expansion - this means no more runways and no increase in flights beyond the current cap, to reduce air and noise pollution from the airport and related road traffic, and to preserve the community life and heritage.
With concerns for the climate being at the forefront of arguments against the construction of a third runway, the quality of life to those who live nearby are also raising red flags. Noise and traffic are causing major worries to local residents who worry they will be affected by the proposed changes.
The Green Party have also been vocal on their objection to the runway plans.
However, some feel the environmental impact will not be as drastic as others do.
Lord Adonis told the Radio 4 Today show “It’s absolutely possible to have airports in the future which are less polluting than airports in the past.
“A key commitment which Heathrow has given is that vehicle numbers coming into Heathrow is a big cause of the pollution of Heathrow, they will reduce - not increase - by combination of better public transport coming into Heathrow...and we need to see more efficient and less polluting planes.”
In 2015, Boris Johnson - who each day seems to get closer to being in power (this morning Andrea Leadsome revealed she will join those backing the former foreign secretary) - famously said he would “lie down in front of the bulldozers to stop it happening.” The Tory MP who has held the seat for Uxbridge and South Ruislip - which is close to Heathrow - for just over four years, strongly opposed to expanding Europe's largest airport.
What will be the effect of a third runway?
The runway would provide more employment, more tourism and a huge economic benefit. However, as previously outlined, air and noise pollution will be the biggest cause of concern.
Can we really put a price on the planet? For every benefit a third runway may bring, there is certainly a disadvantage that comes with it.
Personally, I feel where you stand on this fundamentally comes down to what you value more; the financial benefits, or a greener future for the planet.
What do you think?
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