Private jets, a symbol of luxury and elite status, have been soaring through the skies at an astounding rate. Recent analysis reveals that over the course of 21 months, the private jets belonging to 200 celebrities, CEOs, oligarchs, and billionaires have accumulated a staggering 11 years of flight time since the start of 2022.
These high-profile individuals and their private aircraft have left behind an ominous carbon footprint. The collective carbon emissions generated by approximately 44,739 flights would be equivalent to the total emissions of nearly 40,000 Britons. This eye-opening figure raises concerns about the environmental impact of private jet travel.
Among the most polluting jets in the analysis is a Boeing 767 wide-body aircraft owned by the Rolling Stones. This aircraft alone emitted an estimated 5,046 tonnes of CO2, which is equivalent to someone taking 1,763 return flights from London to New York City in economy class.
Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire owner of the Aston Martin Formula One team, stands out for the number of flights his private aircraft have recorded. With a combined total of 1,512 flights since the start of 2022, including two helicopters, Stroll’s jets also made the most journeys of 15 minutes or less.
Russian oligarchs also contribute significantly to private jet emissions, with 39 jets owned by 30 oligarchs responsible for a total of 30,701 tonnes of CO2. This carbon output is equivalent to the average carbon footprint of approximately 1,000 Russians.
The surge in private jet use since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic is striking. Private jet activity in Europe reached its highest level in years, and forecasts indicate that sales of private jets are set to reach record highs this year. This trend raises questions about the sustainability and fairness of private jet travel in the face of global climate concerns.
FAQ
1. How much CO2 emissions have private jets accumulated since the beginning of 2022?
– Private jets belonging to celebrities, CEOs, oligarchs, and billionaires have emitted an estimated 415,518 tonnes of CO2 over 21 months.
2. Which famous individuals own the most polluting private jets?
– The Rolling Stones own a Boeing 767 wide-body aircraft that emitted an estimated 5,046 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to someone taking 1,763 return flights from London to New York City in economy class.
3. How many flights have Lawrence Stroll’s private aircraft recorded?
– Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire owner of the Aston Martin Formula One team, has recorded a combined total of 1,512 flights since the start of 2022, including two helicopters.
4. How many Russian oligarchs’ jets contribute to CO2 emissions?
– Thirty-nine jets owned by 30 Russian oligarchs are responsible for 30,701 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the average carbon footprint of approximately 1,000 Russians.
5. How has private jet use changed during the Covid-19 pandemic?
– Private jet activity in Europe reached its highest level since 2007, and sales of private jets are expected to reach their highest ever level this year.
Sources:
1. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com)
2. [OpenSky](https://www.opensky-network.org/)