The Isle of Wight Council leader has thrown his support behind controversial plans to expand Southampton Airport.
Cllr Dave Stewart says he, and his cabinet colleagues, back the proposals due to the "importance of the airport to the local Hampshire and Isle of Wight economy.
He also said he recognises "the importance of regional air travel as a potential catalyst for greener travel as a whole."
The airport wants to lengthen the runway by 164m (538ft). It is hoped doing so would accommodate larger planes and increase the number of flights.
Commenting on the application to Eastleigh Borough Council, Cllr Stewart said the plans are "critical" to the future of Southampton airport as a viable regional airport.
He said:
"Its loss would be enormously detrimental to the local area in terms of direct and indirect impact on jobs and the associated supply chain, and on the economic competitiveness of the area.
"I am, of course, conscious of the environmental challenges that such a development can bring and would therefore support any opportunity for securing climate change improvements through this development."
Extinction Rebellion, Isle of Wight, has written to the council leader to express its concerns.
It said the council's support "threatens the health and lives of the people of Southampton and the Isle of Wight":
"The Island has and will continue to experience air pollution from our neighbouring big cities of Portsmouth and Southampton. The amount of air pollution varies based on wind direction and speed but it exists. This ‘transboundary’ pollution is what affects the whole of Europe and can certainly affect us on the Island.
"Airport expansion also brings an increase in pollution at low level - reducing air quality further in the vicinity of the airport and to the city. Ground service equipment (GSE) and airport service vehicles generate most or all of these same emissions, further contributing to aviation’s impact on climate and local air quality.
"Irrespective of advances in technology, increase in aircraft numbers and activity will always add more CO2. "
A decision on proposals to extend the runway has been delayed.
Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Isle of Wight Council for a comment.
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