Increasing airport capacity is vital but both the Estuary and the Constellation airport ideas come with drawbacks
between proponents of two leading options for expanding UK airport capacity. In one corner sits Daniel Moylan, chief aviation advisor to Boris Johnson, backing a new airport in the Thames Estuary. In the other sit consultants for the so-called Constellation scheme involving new runways at Gatwick and Stansted 鈥� architect Sir Terry Farrell and Gareth Roberts, a partner at carbon profiling firm Sturgis.
The debate - sparked by Sturgis鈥� claim that the Estuary option will produce higher carbon emissions 鈥� comes at a crucial time. Airports Commission boss Sir Howard Davies has promised to produce a shortlist of 鈥渃redible鈥� options before the New Year. His final conclusions in 2015 may indeed focus on the downside of new airport capacity 鈥� pollution. But there are different types of pollution. If Sturgis is to be believed, expanding existing airports would produce less whole-life greenhouse gas. But this option could also worsen noise pollution for hundreds of thousands of people. Sir Howard has his work cut out.
Will Hurst, 黑洞社区 assistant editor
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