Climate campaigners' victory in Heathrow expansion appeal

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If you work in the UK’s air freight sector, you will probably have already heard this news – but the implications for airport expansion projects around the world could be profound. The UK High Court this morning found in favour of environmental campaigners who had appealed against plans for Heathrow’s third runway on the basis that it was unlawful, being against the government’s Paris climate change commitments. Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the government would not appeal today’s judgment, although Heathrow might. And the decision could have ramifications beyond aviation, as well as the UK, according to the BBC: “More and more politicians worldwide are pledging to make their economies climate-neutral, but the appeal court judges have shown exactly what this intention implies. From now on, every infrastructure spending decision in the UK could face legal challenge if it doesn’t comply with the Climate Change Act, which mandates virtually zero emissions by 2050.”