Polarising plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport have been approved by ministers. The government's economic sub-committee backed the plans, which were then approved by the Prime Minister's full cabinet.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who has been in the headlines for rail disruptions this week, said the approval was a "historic moment".

Social media users seem to agree, but for slightly different reasons. It has been noted by many that the timing of the announcement coincides with World Environment Day. Environmental journalist George Monbiot tweeted about the irony:

You can imagine the discussion in Downing Street:
How should we mark World Environment Day?
By forcing a Third Runway at Heathrow through parliament.

— GeorgeMonbiot (@GeorgeMonbiot) 5 June 2018

He was far from the lone critic. Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith has long been vocal in his opposition to the project and in his support of environmental causes.

Happy #worldenvironmentday⁠ ⁠ everyone.
Government has picked a fantastic day to commit billions of pounds of public money to help a giant foreign owned corporate massively increase air-pollution for millions of its citizens.
Hooray!#Heathrow

— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) 5 June 2018

Greenpeace likened the timing to "handing out free cigarettes on World Health Day" and opted for reaction gifs.

BREAKING: Ministers set to approve 3rd runway at Heathrow on #WorldEnvironmentDay

John Sauven of Greenpeace UK: "Green-lighting a new runway at Heathrow on World Environment Day is like handing out free cigarettes on World Health Day"

Info > https://t.co/PXhrXXXfyW

(1/2) pic.twitter.com/gcqw9lG5O8

— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) 5 June 2018

John Sauven, Greenpeace UK:
"This airstrip alone will load the atmosphere with as much extra carbon as some entire countries pump out. And it would make Londoner's air more dangerous to breathe" #WorldEnviromentDay

(2/2) pic.twitter.com/qdcHYibBho

— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) 5 June 2018

Many others saw a failure of foresight in the timing.

Oh, the irony of this being announced on #WorldEnvironmentDay https://t.co/NflVIA63r4

— Jester mouse (@jester_mouse) 5 June 2018

BREAKING: Government celebrate #WorldEnvironmentDay by announcing third Heathrow runway and letting Rupert Murdoch take over the Sky.

— The DM Reporter (@DMReporter) 5 June 2018

#WorldEnvironmentDay unless you're a #heathrow resident..... pic.twitter.com/VbgCBbkOGF

— ParliamentView (@parliamentview) 5 June 2018

How fitting that the government chose #WorldEnvironmentDay to approve a third runway at Heathrow

— Daniel Walsh (@DanielWalsh12) 5 June 2018

Disappointing to see that on #WorldEnvironmentDay the government has blatantly disregarded the environmental, social and economic impact the Heathrow expansion will have on London and the rest of the UK. Shame on the @Conservatives.

— Reece Stafferton (@ReeceStafferton) 5 June 2018