Amid growing concern about aviation’s contribution to global warming, a recent study reveals an alarming increase in emissions from private jets. According to researchers at Linnaeus University in Sweden, these emissions have increased by 46% in the last five years.
Led by Stefan Gossling, a transportation researcher at the university’s business school, the study found that many ultra-wealthy individuals are using these private jets excessively, similar to air taxis. Gossling points out that many flights are non-essential, responding to lifestyle needs rather than emergencies.
Even more surprising, nearly half of the flights the team analyzed were for trips of less than 500 kilometers, and nearly 70% of these planes are registered in the United States. The researchers also highlighted that just two hours of flying in a private jet can emit more greenhouse gases than the average person emits in a year.
It is particularly shocking that 1.8% of aviation carbon emissions come from private jets, while aviation as a whole accounts for about 4% of man-made greenhouse gases.
Gossling raises a question of fairness here. He believes that this small group of wealthy people imposes a high carbon cost, which weighs heavily on the shoulders of less affluent populations. The researcher advocates for awareness of the ecological and social consequences of these practices.
The study, published in the journal “Fatshimetrie”, suggests the implementation of a tax or landing fee based on the damage caused by each tonne of emissions. This deterrent measure could encourage more responsible use of private jets and help limit their impact on the environment.
Ultimately, this study highlights a worrying phenomenon: the excessive and unnecessary use of private jets by a minority of wealthy people contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. A change in mentality and concrete actions are necessary for this elite to finally take the measure of its environmental responsibilities.