Report on Private Jet Emissions and Their Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

A recent comprehensive study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) reveals significant environmental impacts of private jet travel. The report highlights the urgent need to address private jet emissions within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption.

Key Findings on Private Jet Emissions

1. In 2023, private jets emitted approximately 19.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs), marking a 25% increase over the past decade.
2. Private jet emissions accounted for nearly 4% of all civil aviation emissions at their post-COVID peak.
3. One private jet emits as much climate pollution as 177 passenger cars or nine heavy-duty trucks annually.
4. Private jet emissions surpassed the total emissions from all flights departing London Heathrow Airport in 2023.

Geographical Distribution of Emissions

• United States: Responsible for 65% of all private jet flights and 55% of global private jet GHG emissions.
• Europe (EU27): Accounts for 12% of private jet emissions, with France contributing about one quarter of that amount.
• 18 of the 20 largest airports by private jet fuel use and emissions are located in the United States, including Los Angeles’s Van Nuys Airport, situated in a majority Hispanic and lower-income neighborhood.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The findings of this report are critical for advancing several SDGs:

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The substantial emissions from private jets contribute to global greenhouse gas concentrations, necessitating urgent mitigation efforts.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Airports with high private jet activity, such as Van Nuys Airport, impact local air quality and community health, highlighting the need for equitable environmental policies.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The report underscores the disparity in pollution contributions linked to wealth, advocating for progressive taxation on private jet fuel to address social and environmental inequalities.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encourages the adoption of policies to reduce excessive private jet use and promote sustainable aviation practices.

Policy Recommendations and Economic Measures

1. Implementation of a global tax on private jet fuel, estimated at $1.59 per gallon, could generate up to USD 3 billion annually.
2. Revenue from such taxation should be directed towards aviation decarbonization initiatives, supporting technological advancements and sustainable transport solutions.
3. Policymakers are urged to consider the slow pace of technological progress in aviation and the growing wealth inequality when designing environmental regulations.

Conclusion

The ICCT’s groundbreaking emissions inventory provides critical data to inform sustainable aviation policies aligned with the SDGs. Addressing private jet emissions is essential to mitigating climate change, promoting social equity, and fostering sustainable urban environments.

Additional Information

• Report Title: Air and greenhouse gas pollution from private jets, 2023
• Authors: Daniel Sitompul and Dan Rutherford, Ph.D.
• Access the full report: theicct.org/publication/air-and-ghg-pollution-from-private-jets-2023-jun25
• Contact: Jessica Peyton, ICCT Associate Communications Specialist (communications@theicct.org)

About the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)

The ICCT is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the environmental performance and energy efficiency of transportation sectors worldwide. Its mission supports multiple SDGs by providing unbiased research and technical analysis to regulators, aiming to enhance public health and combat climate change.

For more information, visit www.theicct.org and follow ICCT on Bluesky, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to their newsletters for updates on sustainable transportation research.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article focuses on greenhouse gas emissions from private jets, highlighting their significant contribution to climate pollution.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • It mentions the impact of private jet emissions on specific urban areas, such as Los Angeles’s Van Nuys Airport located in a majority Hispanic and lower-income neighborhood.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses wealth inequality and the debate on taxing ultrawealthy travelers for their pollution.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • References to aviation decarbonization efforts and fuel taxation imply a connection to clean energy transitions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.1: Achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through fiscal policies.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Private Jets
   • The article quantifies emissions as 19.5 million tonnes of GHG in 2023 and compares emissions per private jet to cars and trucks, implying the use of emission volume indicators (e.g., tonnes of CO2 equivalent).
2. Share of Private Jet Emissions Relative to Total Aviation Emissions
   • Private jets account for nearly 4% of all civil aviation emissions, indicating an indicator measuring the proportion of emissions by sector or vehicle type.
3. Geographical Distribution of Emissions
   • Emissions allocated spatially to airports and countries, such as the 65% of flights departing from U.S. airports, can be used to track regional emission sources.
4. Economic Measures
   • Proposed global tax on private jet fuel consumption ($1.59/gallon) suggests an indicator related to fiscal policies to reduce emissions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theicct.org