Cutting Airport Infrastructure to Cut Flyers' Emissions

The government has long stated its goal of reducing carbon emissions, especially those related to air travel, but had still encouraged the growth and expansion of the airport infrastructure that encourages that travel.

"Citing the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, Prime Minister David Cameron, a Conservative, abruptly canceled longstanding plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport in May, just days after his election; he said he would also refuse to approve new runways at Gatwick and Stansted, London's second-string airports.

The government decided that enabling more flying was incompatible with Britain's oft-stated goal of curbing emissions."