How do private jets fuel climate change?
The activist group Just Stop Oil targeted private jets at Stansted Airport, including Taylor Swift's, by throwing paint on them to protest the environmental impact of the wealthy's private air travel. They demanded that the next UK government commit to ending fossil fuel use by 2030, noting that 80% of the global population has never flown.
The environmental impact of private jets is significant. They can emit two tonnes of CO2 per hour, which is equivalent to several months' worth of emissions for an average EU citizen, and are far more polluting per passenger than commercial jets or high-speed rail. For instance, at the 2022 World Economic Forum in Davos, over 1,000 private jets flew in and out, with many traveling short distances.
The aviation sector contributes about 2.8% of global CO2 emissions, with a small fraction of people responsible for a large share of these emissions. A study highlighted that 1% of the global population accounts for 50% of aviation emissions, with frequent flyers and private jet users being the major contributors.
Despite the environmental concerns, the popularity of private jets has surged, particularly in business travel, where they accounted for a quarter of all flights in the US in 2022, double the pre-pandemic levels.
To address these issues, the aviation industry is looking at sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to reduce emissions, claiming up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to conventional fuels. However, environmental groups warn that increased production of SAFs could lead to deforestation and that current production levels are very low.
Governments are taking steps to mitigate the impact of private jets. France has banned short-haul flights where there are rail alternatives, and Belgium has imposed taxes on private jets and short-haul flights. Such measures, along with corporate policies on travel, are seen as ways to encourage cleaner travel and fund sustainable aviation advancements.
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