AssetID: 54433210
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Heathrow Celebrates Record Passenger Numbers Amid Climate Alarm
Caption: Heathrow Celebrates Record Passenger Numbers Amid Climate Alarm. Heathrow Airport welcomed 83.9 million passengers in 2024, surpassing its previous 2019 record by 3 million travelers, Sky News reports. The 2024 figure represents a 4.7 million increase from 2023, with airport officials predicting even higher numbers for 2025. While Heathrow celebrates the milestone, climate groups warn the rise in passenger numbers undermines efforts to tackle aviation’s environmental impact. Research by Transport and Environment (T&E) predicts EU air traffic will more than double by 2050 compared to 2019, increasing fuel consumption by 59%. Despite pledges to adopt sustainable fuels, the aviation sector—responsible for 2.5% of global carbon emissions—struggles to scale green alternatives affordably. Airlines argue that expanding air travel is vital for global connectivity and economic growth, resisting calls to curb passenger numbers. CEO Thomas Woldbye called 2024 “exciting and record-breaking” and pledged investments in facilities and projects to benefit passengers and airlines. T&E labeled the EU's emissions reduction targets as “meaningless” without stricter measures, including halting airport expansion and taxing frequent flyers T&E's aviation director Jo Dardenne urged immediate climate leadership, warning aviation's current trajectory is incompatible with Europe’s climate goals. Dardenne emphasized the need for bold action to prevent aviation from consuming disproportionate global resources, stating the industry's credibility is on the line. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Travel & Adventure,Heathrow Airport,London,Record,Celebrates,Passenger,Numbers,Amid,Climate,Alarm,Travelers,Higher Numbers,Climate Change,Global Warming,Risks,Aviation,Airlines,Figure,Data
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