On a global scale, limiting Bristol airport's expansion, "Learning not to fly" (Western Daily Press, March 30) may prevent only a small amount of emissions, but expanding airports means that the UK cannot even begin to hope to reach its targets for cutting CO2 emissions by 80 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050.

Claims that cleaner planes will solve the problem are misleading: increased fuel efficiency of 50 per cent is unrealistic and any gains will simply be cancelled out by the increased numbers of flights.

The Stop Bristol Airport Expansion campaign (SBAE) recognises that the airport provides local businesses with connectivity via certain routes and we are not trying to shut it down.

However, even the Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) recognised that expanding airports is unlikely to provide further economic benefits when it stated "the relationship between high-growth sectors in the region and air travel appears to be weak" (Economic Assessments of South West Regional Airports, December 2007).

In the meantime, it is the local communities around Bristol airport and the environment that will pay the price.

SBAE is not trying to stop people from going on holiday – but we are asking people to think about taking fewer flights, not more. We must not rely on massive growth from what is fast becoming the UK's most polluting sector.

The major planning application for expansion that Bristol International Airport is about to submit to North Somerset Council will be followed by a three-week public consultation.

The response to this will significantly influence the council's decision. Further information is available from (www.stopbia.com).

Jeremy Birch Stop Bristol Airport Expansion