Activists urge scrapping of proposed airport over ecological concerns
Alright, here's a fresh take on the situation wrt for the expansion of Portela airport and the proposed new airport in Portugal:
The scene's set as environmental groups, including heavyweights like ATERRA, Green Wave Student Climate Strike Lisbon, Lisbon Possible, and XR Portugal, are standing firm in their stance against broadening Portela Airport's horizons and constructing a new airport in Portugal. The crux of their concern lies in the potential environmental catastrophe that expansion could unleash, magnifying greenhouse gas emissions and causing a world of harm to countless people across the globe and in Portugal itself.
The main argument? Shoving billions into airport expansion doesn't sound like a smart move when you consider the catastrophic effect it'd have on our Earth. Instead, gripping onto these funds means investing in a user-friendly public transport network available 24/7, including night trains for long-distance travel. This, in their eyes, would be a life-affirming move, instead of letting it fuel an inferno of escalating climate chaos.
Flashback to the past 20 years; greenhouse gas emissions from aviation in Portugal have seen a whopping 200% surge. And what's more startling? Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon is currently the dirtiest infrastructure in the nation, producing around 15% of the national emission total.
Straying from the original climate science targets is a no-go zone. Aviation's expansion, whether in Portela, Alcochete, or elsewhere simply doesn't cut it. Instead, we need to witness a decrease in air traffic at airports all across Portugal.
The emphasis here? Expanding aviation ain't about meeting any social needs. It'd only worsen the already dire situation of climate change, tourist saturation, housing access, and quality of life for those situated near airports - all due to the racket of noise and the inhalation of fine and ultrafine particles.
So, there you have it – a coolly presented breakdown of the environmental front's argument against expanding aviation infrastructure in Portugal. Last year, Lisbon's shiny new international airport, destined for Alcochete, went on display courtesy of former Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
Things are already in motion, as airport management organization ANA is preparing to send off an official application for the construction of this new infrastructural behemoth expected to be up and running in 2037. Watch this space, folks. This tale of aviation expansion and environmental conservation is far from over!
- The environmental groups, such as ATERRA and XR Portugal, have voiced their opposition to the expansion of Portela airport and the construction of a new airport in Portugal, citing the potential environmental destruction and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Instead of funding airport expansion, the groups advocate for investing in a comprehensive public transportation network that operates 24/7, including night trains for long-distance travel, to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
- Over the past 20 years, greenhouse gas emissions from aviation in Portugal have more than doubled, with Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon being the nation's dirtiest infrastructure, accounting for 15% of the national emission total.
- The proposed airport expansion, whether in Portela, Alcochete, or elsewhere, contradicts the climate science targets and would escalate climate change, tourist saturation, housing access, and quality of life issues for people living near airports due to noise and air pollution.
