Justice Analysis of Airport Expansions:
Air travel has become a fundamental element of the 21st century, with an annual growth rate of 4.3% over the next 20 years (ICAO, 2024). This growing demand has led to widespread airport expansions, which is having a negative impact on both the environment and local communities and creating a Distributional Injustice among communities living nearby (Sahrir, Bachok, and Osman., 2014). Distributional Injustice refers to the unequal distribution of resources and associated inequalities within society primarily affecting marginalised communities (Walker and Day., 2012). Previous literature suggests that disadvantaged individuals and families are more likely to live close to airports as house prices are cheaper (Breidenbach et al., 2019; Trojanek et al.,2017). In the case of airport expansions, surrounding communities will end up bearing a heavier burden then others such as health issues and noise pollution, leaving them at a disadvantage (Annick et al., 2024). In the long term, wealthier populations will be the ones to benefit as they utilise air travel the most (Gossling and Dolnicar., 2023). Although wealthier individuals may voluntarily choose to live close to airports, they can afford to implement measures such as soundproof windows to help to minimise noise levels (Elliff, Cremaschi, and Huck., 2020)
Aviation is responsible for 2% of energy-related CO2 emissions (IEA, 2023). The environmental containments released during airport expansions was found to be detrimental to human health. (Popescu et al., 2011; Hill, 2020). Research conducted by Sahrir, Bachok, and Osman (2014) on airport infrastructure upgrading revealed that several air quality sampling points showed levels of inhalable dust and exceeded the regulations for outdoor air, making it hazardous to human health. Similarly, noise pollution has become a growing environmental concern, posing risk of hearing loss to nearby residents (Durmaz, 2011; Lee et al., 2023). Noise pollution refers to the unwanted sound caused by sound-generated human activities which can cause significant decline of physical and mental health on humans and animals (Jhanwar.,2016). The growing demand for air travel and the intensification of airport traffic has caused noise levels from airports to increase (Wolfe, Kramer, and Garret.,2017). Miedema and Vos (2007) found that this has been linked to both long- and short- term health issues such as stress, sleep disturbance, and an increased risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality (Basner et al., 2014; Yim, Stettler, and Barret., 2013).
The local government and policymakers hold authority over the decision-making process when it comes to airport expansions, as seen with the ongoing debates regarding Heathrow Airport. In 2020, The Supreme Court reinstated the Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS) which stated that the Paris Climate Change Agreement was taken into consideration (Heathrow Airport., 2020). Despite Heathrow’s positive environmental efforts and their aim to be Net Zero by 2025, local communities’ opinions are rarely accounted for, even though they would suffer the environmental consequences (Heathrow Airport., 2020). Thus, creating a Distributional Injustice.
However, regarding Distributional Injustice, Rawls (1971) stated that these inequalities are only acceptable when the disadvantaged are benefiting. Thus, Elliff, Cremaschi, and Huck (2020) argued that airport expansions can bring in economic benefits and act as a facility hub for surrounding communities. Living close to airports provides immediate access to several transport hubs such as highways, train stations, and the airport (Elliff, Cremaschi, and Huck., 2020). Alongside, Airports foster both direct and indirect job opportunities, providing added value for surrounding communities (Conventz, 2010; Percoco, 2010)
Overall, whilst airport expansions serve as catalysts for economic growth; they also cause several fundamental Distributive Injustices on surrounding, often more marginalised communities (Eliff, Cremaschi, and Huck., 2020; Breidenback et al., 2019). Therefore, it is essential for policymakers to work directly with affected communities to help reduce this environmental burden and achieve true justice.
References:
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