French Green MPs are advocating for a ban on private jet flights in an effort to address climate change and promote social justice. The proposed bill, which will be debated in the Assemblée Nationale, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the ultra-rich by restricting their use of private jets.
Key Takeaways
- France had the highest number of private jet flights in Europe in 2022.
- The bill targets flights from or to mainland France by aircraft with fewer than 60 passengers.
- A private jet emits as much CO2 in four hours as an average French person does in a year.
Background
France recorded the highest number of private jet flights in Europe in 2022, with 84,885 flights emitting 383,100 tonnes of CO2. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 85,133 French residents. The bill, proposed by Paris MP Julien Bayou and his colleague Christine Arrighi, aims to curb these emissions by banning private jet flights.
The Proposal
The bill will be examined on April 6 at the Assemblée Nationale as part of the Europe Ecologie Les Verts (EELV, France’s Green party) group’s assigned parliamentary days. The Green MPs argue that this measure is a form of social justice, integrating the ultra-rich into the consumption restraints demanded from the general public to address the climate emergency.
Environmental Impact
According to the bill, a private jet emits as much CO2 (8 tonnes) in four hours of flight as an average French person does over a year. The bill specifically targets flights from or to mainland France by aircraft with fewer than 60 passengers. In 2022, the Instagram tracking account "Bernard’s plane" identified 18 short flights made by France’s richest man, Bernard Arnault, mainly between Paris and Brussels, which are just 1 hour and 22 minutes apart by train.
Criticism and Support
Critics argue that private jets are an "environmental aberration," as they are often used for short trips where planes are least efficient. According to the NGO Transport & Environment, a trip in a private jet is between five and 14 times more polluting than one in an airliner, which itself emits about 40 times more CO2 than a train. Additionally, 25% to 40% of these flights are empty.
Supporters of the bill believe it will have the greatest and most immediate impact in favor of the climate while penalizing the least number of people. They argue that it is a necessary step to bring the ultra-rich in line with the environmental responsibilities expected of the general public.
Conclusion
The debate over the proposed ban on private jet flights highlights the broader issue of climate justice and the need for equitable measures to combat climate change. As the bill moves forward, it will be closely watched as a potential model for other countries grappling with similar environmental challenges.