Private Jets and Climate Impact: Ultra-Rich's Travel Habits Under Scrutiny by Climate Scientists

A new study from climate scientists has revealed the substantial impact of private jet travel by the ultra-wealthy on global carbon emissions. Tracking flights worldwide, researchers discovered that carbon emissions from private jets rose by 46% between 2019 and 2023. Each hour of private jet flight generates more carbon dioxide than an average person produces in an entire year, underscoring the significant environmental toll of luxury travel.

Luxury Flights and Soaring Emissions

Led by Professor Stefan Gossling from Sweden’s Linnaeus University, the research calculated that private jets emitted approximately 15.6 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2023—comparable to the emissions from 3.7 million petrol cars driven over a year. Although private jet emissions represent just 1.8% of all air travel emissions, they are concentrated among the ultra-rich, a group comprising about 0.003% of the global population.

The flights tracked included short-haul trips to destinations like Ibiza and Nice, as well as travel to high-profile events such as the FIFA World Cup and the UN climate conference. These flights, often for leisure, have a high carbon footprint, especially given that 47.4% covered distances under 500 kilometers.

Highlighting the Disparity

Professor Gossling emphasized that these emissions, while modest in the global context, are disproportionately high compared to the average emissions of entire small communities, particularly in regions with low per-capita carbon output, like Central Africa. The disparity becomes starker with findings that some individuals emitted as much carbon as 571 cars in one year through private flights alone.

A Call for Accountability

The study calls for a reassessment of travel practices, particularly among the wealthiest, to set an example in reducing emissions. Although the International Air Transport Association aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, many scientists doubt that current sustainable aviation fuels can meet demand without significant emissions.

“We need to start at the top to show everyone has a role in cutting emissions,” Gossling asserted, stressing the urgency as the world faces a potential 3.1°C temperature increase this century without intervention.

With the findings published in Communications Earth & Environment, this research adds to the growing conversation on sustainable practices, challenging affluent travelers to reconsider their carbon-intensive lifestyles and explore greener alternatives.