Private jet carbon emissions rise 46% from 2019 to 2023, study shows

A new study reveals that carbon emissions from private jets rose by 46% from 2019 to 2023, totaling 15.6 million tonnes. This increase is attributed to the ultra-wealthy, who account for a small fraction of the population but contribute significantly to climate change. The research indicates that frequent private jet users emitted an average of 2,400 tonnes of CO2 in 2023, nearly 500 times more than the average person. Many flights were short, with almost half covering less than 310 miles, suggesting alternatives could have been used. The study highlights the concentration of private jet ownership among the wealthy, particularly in the U.S., which holds 68% of the world's jets. Researchers call for policies to hold high emitters accountable for their carbon footprints.