The Court of Appeal ruling that the Heathrow third runway is illegal as it contravenes the Paris Climate Agreement came as a real shock.
It's especially fascinating as it marks the first time that climate change has put the kibosh on a major infrastructure development.
It was always a huge paradox at the heart of the government's climate change action plan - it is aiming for zero carbon emissions by 2050, yet it had greenlit a runway that would lead to a further 260,000 flights per year. Something had to give.
The judges said that a third runway could go ahead in the future, as long as it fits with the UK's climate policy. But unless the UK suddenly invents a battery-powered plane, it's hard to see how that could realistically happen.
What will be key now is to see whether this decision is a mere blip, or marks a change in direction of travel for government planning.
The planet comes first
Sustainability and the environment are top issues in the events industry.When the third runway at Heathrow got the go-ahead, it was a decision based on the belief that economic growth is the most important thing - at any cost.
The judges' ruling that the Paris agreement must be adhered to puts the UK in a position where it is effectively putting the wellbeing of the planet ahead of the wellbeing of its finances.
And significantly, the government is not going to appeal the decision. This suggests the expansion of other airports isn't on the cards either.
The message to our industry, indeed all UK industries, is clear - the planet comes first. Reducing carbon emissions should be your goal. The aims of the Climate Change Act should be strongly adhered to.
There is still the possibility that the decision could be overruled, or ignored, and this isn't the sea change moment it appears to be. Only time will tell. But if the decision is an indication of where the world is heading over the next decade, our industry needs to be ready to decarbonise - and fast.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
