Heathrow expansion met by protest
As British officials struggle to attract visitors and improve efficiency at London's Heathrow Airport, environmentalists have set up camp to protest its expansion plans. They say more flights will mean more climate change. Stephen Beard reports.
Protestors have set up a Camp for Climate Action where they'll stage a week-long protest against an expansion to London's Heathrow Airport. A passenger jet takes off in the background behind their banner which reads, "The earth is common treasure for all." (Cate Gillon/Getty Images)
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Doug Krizner: Hundreds of environmental protestors have set up camp next to London's Heathrow Airport. They're demonstrating against the airport's expansion plans. The protestors say more aviation equals more climate change. From London, Stephen Beard reports.
Stephen Beard: Two thousand people are expected to gather at the camp on Heathrow's northern perimeter.
They plan a week of protest culminating in what they say will be a day of disruption. They won't give details but deny reports that bomb hoaxes will be involved.
Standing on the site of the proposed new runway, campaigner Anna Jackson said Heathrow's expansion must be stopped.
Anna Jackson: Aviation is the fastest growing emitter of carbon dioxide and we can't continue to fly as much as we are, never mind expanding Heathrow.
The airport operator has criticized the protesters for causing trouble for passengers at one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The operator, backed by the government, wants the new runway to reduce the growing problem of congestion.
In London, this is Stephen Beard for Marketplace.
