The Gap Grows Wider

In late July, a Yard study calculated the CO2 emissions of various celebrities’ private jets throughout the first half of 2022. The amount of CO2 produced by their private jet rides is nearly 500 times the amount of CO2 the average individual emits in an entire year. Some flights only lasted 17 minutes, which is equivalent to an hour-long car ride. Popular figures such as Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Jay-Z were some of the biggest offenders, sparking outrage and disappointment among their followers.

The Yard study served as just another reminder that, as relatable and likable as they may seem, celebrities are just that—celebrities. As the working class is encouraged to “play their part” by using paper straws and carpooling, private jet usage somehow slips under the radar of mainstream media. It’s impossible for the blame to be shared equally, even if we are technically “all in this together.” These celebrities, as well as other millionaires and billionaires across the globe, have the capabilities to pollute the world in ways that the average person could never even imagine doing.

Aside from private jets, many celebrities do little to divert the climate crisis. Many famous Los Angeles residents, for example, surpassed the municipal water usage budget in the midst of the California drought crisis. The Kardashians, Kevin Hart, and Sylvester Stallone all received warnings and fines, yet continue to exceed district limits. Worse still, the reasons for such excessive water usage are frivolous and superficial at best. Dwayne Wade wasted nearly 500 thousand gallons of water due to a swimming pool malfunction, while Stallone’s surplus of water is used to grow fruit trees. Monetary penalties mean very little to such wealthy Los Angelans, allowing them to repeatedly ignore such restrictions on water usage.

We all have an obligation to protect this world, even those of us who are rich enough to pay for our own private flights. In fact, these people are the ones who actually have the resources to donate and fund movements against climate change. But even if they don’t participate in protests or donate to charities, the least celebrities can do is avoid unnecessarily polluting the world.

Fortunately, mainstream news sources and social media platforms have acknowledged these “climate criminals” in recent years. Holding these celebrities accountable is necessary to stop the acceleration of climate change and give humanity more time to find a permanent solution.