Green Activists are Obstructing the Construction of a Mega Airport in Warsaw

Environmental activists are protesting against the construction of a new major airport hub in Warsaw, according to a report by EURACTIV. 

The project's leader, Marcin Gorala, dismisses the environmental objections as "hypocrisy," arguing that similar infrastructure projects in Western Europe have not faced the same scrutiny. 

The proposed Central Communication Port (CPK) aims to become the main aviation transit hub for Central and Eastern Europe by summer 2028.

However, activists have raised concerns about expanding air transport infrastructure, a sector known for its high carbon emissions, amidst the ongoing climate crisis. Green non-governmental organizations have called on Europe to cease investments in airports and redirect funds towards less polluting forms of travel. While the European Commission supports schemes that encourage train travel, a relatively cleaner mode of transportation, the European Investment Bank is considering halting investments in airport expansions.

Gorala argues that such an approach would be unfair to Central and Eastern European countries, which had less time to develop their transportation infrastructure compared to Western EU countries. He emphasizes the need for necessary infrastructure development, stating that it would enable them to become more environmentally conscious. Additionally, Gorala highlights that Poles, on average, fly less frequently than travelers from Western European countries.

Creating an international tourism center in the Polish capital would also reduce the need for short-haul flights from Eastern Europe to Western European airports, Gorala suggests. He further claims that the CPK construction will incorporate modern technologies to make the airport more environmentally friendly than previous facilities. Gorala asserts that it is always more challenging to retrofit or upgrade existing infrastructure with eco-friendly technologies than to plan and design it from the outset.

According to current plans, the airport construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the first passengers welcomed in the summer of 2028. 

Previously, The Gaze reported that France has banned domestic short-haul flights in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions. The law prohibits public internal flights between French destinations if a train journey of less than 2 hours and 30 minutes is available. Transport Minister Clement Beaune described this step as a "significant move and a strong symbol in the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions." He also stated that this ban is the first of its kind in the world that fully aligns with the government's policy to promote the use of transportation modes with lower emissions.