AOA: Aviation only small CO2 contributor

The aviation industry is only responsible for a relatively small proportion of the UK's carbon emissions, according to one expert.

Speaking in response to the setting up of the Camp for Climate Action at Heathrow Airport, Chris Goater of the Airport Operators Association told BBC One's Breakfast show that the industry offers numerous advantages for the British economy.

He said that airlines and airports make a "very small" negative contribution to climate change and highlighted their relevance to the UK.

"The economic benefits and social benefits of increasing the air travel opportunities for people, the thousands of jobs and the opportunities to do business abroad are very important to the UK economy," Mr Goater commented.

It is expected that up to 2,000 people will join the protest at Heathrow by this Sunday. However, protestors have said that that they are not attempting to disrupt travel for passengers using the hub.

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