Plain Stupid

Many people are well aware of my feelings on climate change. Having studied climate change at university, as well as helping to organise a screening of 'An Inconvenient Truth' for a local MP, I have become passionate in my belief that it is the greatest threat facing us. The vast majority of scientists accept that the planet is warming and that this is down to the levels of carbon dioxide we are all pumping into the atmosphere. It is an incredibly serious problem, made even harder to solve due to the scepticism which still exists over the issue.

It is crucial to win over the general public if we are to have any hope of cutting carbon emissions and solving this crisis. This is precisely why I strongly oppose the actions of "Plane Stupid", who are doing more damage than good.

Let me be clear, I don't oppose direct action entirely. If used correctly, direct action can bring about real change. However any action should only be taken if it will benefit the cause. Clearly throwing green custard over a cabinet minister does nothing to win the argument and only makes all environmentalists appear irrational and moronic. It does not take very much to throw a cup of green slime over someone. Clearly this was the selfish act of someone who wanted to get her face in the media, without any thought to the negative consequences for the cause she claims to support.

I strongly oppose a third runway being built at Heathrow! However we must face facts. The runway is being built because there is still a high demand for air travel. If this is to change, we must convince the general public. Juvenile pranks can only make this harder.