You can’t fight for the climate flying commercial, apparently.
Zurich Airport, the main gateway for attendees of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, says it’s preparing for 1,000 private jet and helicopter flights for this year’s summit.
The global advocacy group bills its annual gathering as a forum to solve global crises, including climate change.
Business jets, state aircraft, and safety-related helicopter transports are expected to clutter the skies as dignitaries, business tycoons, and thought leaders arrive to discuss the environment and other global issues.
Most aircrafts burn standard jet fuel, despite efforts to promote the use of aviation biofuel as an alternative.
The carbon footprint of such high-volume private aviation is not on the programme for discussion.
Private jets produce significantly more emissions per passenger when compared to commercial flights. A 2021 report from the European Federation for Transport and Environment found that private jets contributed up to 14 times as much pollution per passenger than commercial flights and 50 times as much when compared to trains.
Adding to the controversy is the logistical strain placed on Zurich Airport. Aircraft are permitted to park for a maximum of two hours unless granted special permits for extended stays, meaning more frequent take offs and landings.
Among the themes being promoted at Davos this year is “a long-term strategy for climate, nature and energy.”
The WEF was also the host to a special address on Tuesday by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres who warned about the impending impact of a climate crisis.
“We just endured the hottest year and the hottest decade in history. Sea level rise, heat waves, floods, storms, droughts and wildfires are just a preview of the horror movie to come,” said Gutteres.
“A world where every economy feels the pain of supply chains severed, of infrastructure destroyed, of higher prices.”
