Who Is The Most Polluting Celebrity?

Private jets are a major cause of celebrity carbon emissions, with some celebrities emitting thousands of times more carbon than the average person. Taylor Swift has been at the centre of controversy due to her frequent use of private jets, with her jet amassing 22,923 minutes in the air since January, despite not currently being on tour. Other celebrities with high carbon emissions include Floyd Mayweather, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Kylie Jenner. While some celebrities attempt to offset their carbon emissions through the purchase of carbon credits, the effectiveness of these offsets has been questioned.

Taylor Swift's private jet usage

In 2023, Swift's total flight emissions were reported to be 8,293.54 tons, which is over a thousand times the emissions of the average person. This has led to Swift being labelled the biggest celebrity CO2 polluter by some sources. Since January 2024, she has taken 170 flights, spending 22,923 minutes in the air, which equates to 15.9 days. Swift's jet emissions are estimated to be 1,100 times more than the average person's annual emissions.

Swift's representatives have responded to the criticism by stating that she has purchased more than double the required carbon credits to offset the emissions from her tours. They also claimed that her jet is loaned out to other individuals, so not all flights should be attributed to her.

While some have called for Swift to stop using private jets altogether, others have pointed out the challenges of her travelling on regular commercial flights due to her fame and privacy concerns. Swift has incorporated sustainability into her live shows, with efforts including the use of biodiesel in tour buses and trucks, promoting recycling, and offering reusable merchandise.

The controversy surrounding Swift's private jet usage has sparked a broader discussion about the environmental responsibility of celebrities and their role in combating climate change. As influential public figures, celebrities can shape societal trends and promote sustainable actions.

Travis Scott's frequent flying

Travis Scott is one of the celebrities with the highest carbon emissions, according to a report by Yard. The report lists 10 celebrities with the "worst private jet CO2 emissions" in 2022, and Scott landed at number 10, with 54 private jet flights emitting 30,333 tons of CO2 in a year. The average flight time for these flights was 245 minutes.

The high carbon emissions of celebrities like Travis Scott can be attributed to their frequent use of private jets. Private jets emit at least ten times the amount of CO2 per passenger than normal commercial planes. For example, a private jet emits 7,913 pounds of carbon per passenger, while a commercial flight for the same distance emits 174 pounds.

Celebrities often choose to fly on private jets due to their desire for privacy and the convenience of avoiding large airports with more public attention. However, the frequent use of private jets by celebrities like Travis Scott contributes significantly to their carbon footprint.

In addition to the environmental impact, the use of private jets by celebrities has sparked controversy and criticism from the public. Some people argue that celebrities should be more conscious of their carbon emissions and consider flying commercial or taking steps to offset their carbon footprint.

While Travis Scott's team may handle his scheduling and transportation arrangements, it is still possible for him to request more environmentally friendly options or instruct his team to prioritize CO2 neutrality in their choices. As a public figure, Travis Scott has a unique opportunity to use his influence to promote environmental awareness and set an example for his fans and the industry.

Jay-Z's private jet

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is a world-renowned musician, rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. He is also known for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes his private jet.

The Bombardier Challenger 850 is an excellent choice for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who often travel globally for their demanding careers and busy schedules. The jet provides them with the flexibility, privacy, and comfort they need while travelling. It also allows Jay-Z to work, make calls, and conduct business without interruptions during his flights.

In addition to the Challenger 850, some sources mention that Jay-Z also owns a Gulfstream G550, an ultra-luxurious private jet known for its exceptional performance and long-range capabilities. This jet was also given to him by Beyoncé and is often considered one of the best in its category.

While private jets offer convenience and luxury, they have also been criticised for their high carbon footprint and environmental impact. Jay-Z's frequent use of private jets has not been exempt from this criticism, especially considering the high fuel consumption and carbon emissions associated with jet travel.

Oprah's short-haul flights

While celebrities like Taylor Swift, Floyd Mayweather, and Jay-Z are often called out for their excessive carbon emissions, Oprah Winfrey is also among those with notably high carbon footprints.

Oprah's decision to switch from commercial to private jet travel was influenced by a desire for privacy and convenience. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she shared an anecdote about a female fan asking for a hug at the airport, which led to her decision to prioritize privacy and avoid flight delays. The Gulfstream G650ER offers her the ability to travel long distances without refueling stops, ensuring she can maintain a rigorous travel schedule.

While private jets offer convenience and luxury, they contribute significantly to carbon emissions. According to a study, private jets emit at least ten times the amount of CO2 per passenger compared to commercial planes. This disparity in emissions is a critical consideration in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.

It is worth noting that some celebrities, like Taylor Swift, have attempted to offset their carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits. While this may not completely negate the environmental impact of private jet travel, it demonstrates a growing awareness of the issue among celebrities.

Kylie Jenner's 17-minute flight

The use of private jets by celebrities has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. While many celebrities have been called out for their frequent use of private jets, one instance that sparked a lot of criticism was "Kylie Jenner's 17-minute flight".

Kylie Jenner, the 24-year-old socialite and businesswoman, faced a lot of backlash and criticism for taking a 17-minute flight on her $72.8 million private jet. On July 12, 2022, Jenner took a short trip from Van Nuys in Los Angeles to the nearby town of Camarillo, California, which lasted only 17 minutes. This was not the first time Jenner had taken such a short trip; she had previously taken a nine-minute flight between the same two locations in June.

The main issue with Jenner's short flight was the environmental impact. Private jets emit at least ten times the amount of CO2 per passenger than a normal commercial plane. According to estimates, Jenner's 17-minute flight resulted in about a ton of carbon dioxide emissions, which is about a quarter of the total annual carbon footprint of the average person globally. Many people took to social media to express their disappointment and anger, with some calling her a “full-time climate criminal" and accusing her of having an “absolute disregard for the planet".

Jenner's decision to take a private jet for such a short distance highlights the larger issue of the wealthy's impact on aviation emissions. As Scott Hochberg, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity's Climate Law Institute, stated, "these startlingly short flights show the immense impact of the wealthy in overall aviation emissions". The frequent use of private aviation is often associated with the world's wealthy, with just 1% of the global population responsible for half of the emissions associated with flying.

While Jenner's actions may have sparked outrage and brought attention to the issue, she is not the only celebrity engaging in such practices. Other celebrities, such as Drake and Kenny Chesney, have also been known to take short trips on private jets. Additionally, celebrities like Taylor Swift, Floyd Mayweather, Jay-Z, and Jenner's partner Travis Scott, have been criticized for their high carbon emissions from private jet travel.

Frequently asked questions