(Originally published on the Cortes Tideline)

June 20th 2024

Dear Michael and Martine

We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding the improvement of an airstrip on Cortes Island. This development is likely to lead to the increased use of private aircraft, which are significant emitters of CO2 and other pollutants. At a time when global emissions need to be drastically reduced, encouraging luxury emissions like private air travel is detrimental to our planet. Limiting these unnecessary emissions is crucial for supporting the billions of living creatures – human and otherwise – affected by climate change and preventing further environmental degradation.