The carbon footprint from private jet travel grew 46 % between 2019 and 2023 and will keep rising unless the ultra-luxury industry is regulated, according to a new research.
The data adds to signs that climate change is fostering a sense of so-called "flying shame" that’s causing some people to avoid one of the most polluting forms of travel. Significantly more people are taking the train on trips within Europe that are less four hours.
A 2017 report for the European Commission looking at carbon offsetting found that 85% of offset programs failed to deliver "real, measurable and additional" emission reductions, and noted that some projects would have happened anyway.
When you consider the full flight, which includes emissions from takeoff, cruise and landing, aircraft emissions are also responsible for around 16,000 premature deaths a year from impaired air quality.
The deal encourages airlines to buy credits through global carbon markets to offset their emissions.
On Monday the Environmental Protection Agency in USA announced that it will use its authority under the Clean Air Act to impose limits on aircraft emissions, and begin the process of regulating emissions from airplane exhaust.
Aviation is "a critical link in solving worldwide environmental challenges", says MIT professor.
