Homepage  |   E-mail this article  |   Print

---

---

Advertisement

9:24 am, November 26, 2009
Climate change campaigners reject MAG’s bid to join

By James Chapelard

A group which campaigns on climate change has rejected Manchester Airports Group’s application to join despite its pledge to cut emissions.

The 10:10 campaign said MAG’s long term passenger growth plans were not compatible with its own aims to encourage businesses to cut emissions by 10 per cent by 2010.

Franny Armstrong, the campaign's founder told The Guardian newspaper: “Sticking solar panels on the roof and all that is great, but Manchester airport is planning to double passenger numbers in the next 20 years. So for the first time ever, 10:10 is saying no to a new sign-up. When they're ready to cut 10 per cent of all emissions – including flights – we'll welcome them with open arms.”

Manchester Airport Group – which is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2015 - said it was disappointed by the decision.

Jonathan Bailey, external affairs director for the MAG said: “We completely accept the responsibilities of our industry to deal with our impact on climate change. That’s why we have made commitments to reduce the emissions we are directly responsible for and why we are working with all our industry colleagues to ensure we can make speedy progress together. We were disappointed that the 10:10 campaign decided that wasn’t good enough for them.”

MAG’s targets do not include emissions from planes once they have taken off.

Comments?jchapelard@crain.com