Plane Stupid facts for kids
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| Founded | 2005 |
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| Focus | Environmental |
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Region served
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United Kingdom |
| Method | Nonviolence, direct action |
| Website | www.planestupid.com |
Plane Stupid is a group of environmental activists in the United Kingdom. They want to stop airports from getting bigger and prevent more flights. They believe that many flights are not needed and harm our planet. The group uses peaceful direct action to share its message. Plane Stupid is made up of different local groups and gets money from donations.
The group started in 2005. Its founders were Joss Garman, Richard George, and Graham Thompson. In 2008, Joss Garman was recognized by The Guardian newspaper. He was named one of "50 people who could save the planet." This was for his important work against aviation pollution.
Contents
Plane Stupid: Taking Action for the Environment
Plane Stupid is an organization focused on protecting our environment. They believe that expanding airports and increasing flights contribute to climate change. Their goal is to raise awareness and encourage changes in aviation policies. They use non-violent methods to achieve their aims.
How Plane Stupid Began
The group formed in September 2005. A group of activists decided to protest an international aviation conference. This event was held in a central London hotel. During a main speech, they released helium balloons. These balloons had personal alarms attached. This action drew attention to their cause.
Major Protests at Airports
Plane Stupid has organized many protests at airports across the UK. These actions aim to highlight the environmental impact of air travel. They want to show how airport expansion affects local communities and the planet.
Early Airport Actions
In September 2006, Plane Stupid blocked a taxiway. This happened at East Midlands Airport for four hours. Police arrived quickly, but airport security had already managed the situation.
In October 2007, the group blocked an entrance. This was at Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 departure lounge.
Protesters also demonstrated at Heathrow Airport in March 2008. This was during the opening of its new Terminal 5. Airport officials suggested debating with the industry instead. Others called the protest irresponsible.
Stansted Airport Protest (2008)
On December 8, 2008, Plane Stupid activists went onto a taxiway. This was at London Stansted Airport. The protest happened during a big climate change conference in Poland. They entered a secure area while the runway was closed. This prevented it from reopening as planned.
Fifty-seven protesters were later taken in by police. Airport authorities said the runway was closed as a safety measure. Many flights were cancelled, and thousands of passengers faced delays.
A newspaper editor called the group "Plane Selfish." A judge noted that their actions caused significant disruption. Some protesters were asked to perform community service. An airline sought a large amount of money for the disruption. The airport later withdrew its plan for a second runway in 2010.
Protests at Other UK Airports
In February 2009, activists protested at Southampton Airport. They chained themselves to the main entrance. They also set up tents to oppose airport expansion plans.
On March 3, 2009, seven protesters went onto a taxiway. This was at Aberdeen Airport. They built a small enclosure for themselves. Two other protesters climbed onto the main terminal roof. Nine activists faced legal actions for their involvement. They were later banned from going near airports.
In June 2009, five activists protested at London City Airport. They dressed in suits and cut through a fence. They then surrounded a private jet, linking themselves together. This action aimed to show the high pollution from private jets. Flights were diverted for three hours.
Later, in September 2009, more activists protested at London City Airport. They highlighted a new business-class flight to New York. They pointed out that this increased flights. This was despite promises to cut carbon emissions.
In May 2010, two protests happened at the same time. These took place at Manchester Airport.
Heathrow Airport Protest (2015)
On July 13, 2015, thirteen protesters entered Heathrow Airport. They cut a hole in the fence early in the morning. They then occupied the airport's north runway. This caused many flight cancellations and delays. Their goal was to oppose building a third runway at Heathrow.
The protesters were taken in by police. They faced legal actions related to airport safety rules. During their trial, they received support from politicians. The protesters were found responsible for entering private property without permission. They received a suspended sentence. This meant they would not go to jail unless they broke the law again within a year. Many supporters gathered outside the court.
Other Ways Plane Stupid Takes Action
Plane Stupid uses various creative methods to raise awareness. They often target specific companies or government bodies. Their goal is always to highlight the environmental impact of aviation.
The Camp for Climate Action (2007)
In August 2007, the Climate Camp was held near Heathrow Airport. On the last day, over a thousand people took part in a day of action. Before the camp, airport authorities tried to get a court order. This order would have restricted many people's movements. The Mayor of London called this idea "out of their skull."
A court order was eventually granted. It covered specific individuals and groups. It aimed to prevent unlawful actions. During the camp, Plane Stupid also protested at other aviation sites. These included Airbus and Farnborough Airfield.
Creative Protests and Awareness
In November 2006, the group protested on the roof of EasyGroup's headquarters. This happened during climate talks in Kenya. The action delayed staff from entering the building.
They also disrupted a government committee meeting in November 2007. This meeting was about airport operations. Protesters handed out leaflets and chanted before being removed.
During a 'Climate March' in London in December 2007, activists protested outside travel agents. They stated that these businesses profited from harming the climate.
In January 2008, 30 protesters dressed as penguins. They took over the Natural History Museum's ice rink. This was to protest an airline's sponsorship of the museum's winter events.
In February 2008, five Plane Stupid members protested on the roof. This was on the UK's Houses of Parliament.
In April 2008, several protesters climbed onto the roof. This was at the Scottish Parliament Building. They came down after five hours. Two people were taken in by police.
In January 2009, Plane Stupid highlighted opposition to airport expansion. This was for Frankfurt Airport in Germany. They visited a protest camp there in April.
On March 6, 2009, an activist threw green custard. This was at a government minister, Peter Mandelson. The action protested frequent meetings between airport representatives and ministers.
Plane Stupid activists also disrupted an awards ceremony in October 2009. They arrived in evening wear and took over a reserved table. They were removed after about an hour.
In March 2009, Plane Stupid launched an 'Adopt a resident' scheme. This paired activists with residents of Sipson. These residents faced losing their homes due to Heathrow expansion plans. Activists aimed to help them resist these plans.
See also
- AirportWatch
- Climate Rush
- Environmental direct action in the United Kingdom
- Environmental effects of aviation in the United Kingdom
- Environmental impact of aviation
- Flying Matters
- Plane Mad
