Climate scientists are raising alarms over the high volume of private jet flights used by some of the world’s wealthiest people, calling it a major source of planet-warming gases.
A recent study tracked private jet flights between 2019 and 2023, finding that these trips often coincide with leisure events, like sports games and film festivals, rather than essential travel. For example, 1,846 jets flew into Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while 291 jets landed in Dubai during the 2023 UN climate conference.
The study highlights the environmental impact of private jets, noting that just one hour of flight can release as much carbon dioxide as an average person produces in an entire year. Globally, about 256,000 wealthy individuals, often actors, musicians, and businesspeople, own private jets, contributing significantly to carbon emissions despite representing only 0.003% of the adult population.
In 2023, private jet flights released approximately 15.6 million tonnes of CO₂—comparable to emissions from nearly 4 million cars over a year. The researchers also discovered that many of these flights were short, covering distances under 500 kilometres.
Led by Dr. Stefan Gössling from Linnaeus University, the team’s findings urge a rethinking of private jet use. Gössling pointed out that when wealthy people use private jets for convenience, they may appear to disregard global environmental standards. The study calls for reducing such high-emission activities as a priority, especially among the wealthiest, to set an example for everyone in the fight against climate change.
