The airport is not too small – there are too many passengers

Now the terminal at the airport will once again be expanded. It was pointed out in Degi og viku on 10 June that the airport terminal is too small as it is now, and that it is too crowded for passengers. However, it is equally possible to turn the idea around: the airport terminal is not too small, but the passengers are too many.

The lifestyle of the world’s rich countries, and especially the lifestyle of the richest in the rich countries, is to great harm to the climate and nature. Both climate and biodiversity are serious crises that affect people, animals and plants.

Researchers consistently point out that it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gases significantly, while at the same time protecting and restoring nature. However, the wrong way is still going in the Faroe Islands – emissions are rising and rising.

The main cause of these crises is the heavy use of fossil energy and materials in the rich world. As one of the world’s richest people, we have a particularly great responsibility to propose sustainable alternatives. The Faroese emissions are primarily from the heavy industry, and we still make almost no demands on the fishing and aquaculture industry.

We wait for capitalism itself to become sustainable – but it doesn’t care about its copies. She does what is financially viable. The political system must therefore set strong demands on these industries. The same applies to the aviation and cruise industries.

I am clear that the climate or the nature of the Earth does not stand and fall with whether the airport in Vágar becomes larger, but we must get used to the growth pressure. Persistent desire for growth is the main problem. We cannot become sustainable if everything that is polluting has to grow.

We should ask ourselves the fundamental question in all issues that can affect the climate and nature negatively: Is there a need for more pollution?

Tráin Petursson Nónklett