Egypt Receives 400 Private Jets Amid Climate Talks
Just a few days ago, the world watched cycling climate activists protest against private jets in Amsterdam. Some people laughed at this move, while others were glad that private jets were being targeted because they pollute the environment more than other types of planes. For a variety of reasons, Egypt is now watching as hundreds of private jets transport world leaders to the country hosting this year's most important climate conference, COP27.
Despite EGYPTAIR offering special flights for all attendees to attend the event, 400 private jets have reportedly graced the country's airports since November 4. While some sources claim lower figures, this remains a recurring issue. Previous summits have left a growing carbon imprint, with COP26 leaving a terrible 1,02,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2021 – four times more than the one before it.
However, several media outlets report that there are fewer private jets than at last year's summit. Still, this way of getting around has gotten a lot of climate activists angry on social media because it is so obviously hypocritical.
The rationale is simple: private jets produce an exorbitant amount of greenhouse gases. While commercial flights create more emissions per kilometre, their large passenger capacity results in much lower emissions per passenger.
According to BBC estimates, if each of these private jets carried 15 people, each individual would emit almost three tonnes of CO2 equivalent during their trip. In comparison, if each of these delegates travelled in premium class, they would each be liable for only half a tonne CO2 equivalent.
These are still inflated figures because the carbon footprint of the entire life cycle (including the construction and maintenance of the jets) is not included in these emission standards. According to the BBC, the most popular private plane flown into Egypt is the Gulfstream G650, which consumes approximately 1,893 litres of fuel every hour. Over five hours of flight, the jet would consume over 9,000 litres of aviation fuel.
Some experts, though, believe that focusing on this neglect may be missing the point. According to climate researcher Gareth Redmond-King, these emissions are "negligible compared to the impact of decisions and commitments made at these summits."
"If you want emissions to go down, you need leaders in the room, as well as media, scientists, and stakeholders asking the tough questions," he added.
Source: Business Insider
