Now, that doesn’t undermine DiCaprio’s advocacy and philanthropic work — although a recent Oxford study questions the effectiveness of celebrity activism, citing a lack of measurable results and potential negative consequences when a big name’s credibility is questioned. And not even the streaming habits of millions compare to the vacations of a celebrity. But these carbon disparities and activist inconsistencies underlie a major challenge in the fight against climate change: the general public feels increasingly helpless.
Can we do something about private jet emissions?
If Leo’s superyacht holiday jaunt tells us anything, it’s that we can’t count on the CO2 restraint of even the most well-meaning millionaires (or billionaires). Experts agree that while a blanket ban on private jets is impractical, “implementing an effective policy to reduce emissions from private air travel is possible,” says David Carlucci, a former New York State senator, sponsor of the Green Amendment and a Climate Leadership Fellow. and the Community Protection Act. It highlights the actions taken by our neighbors to the north. Just as American celebrities were under fire for their high emissions, Canada announced the Select Luxury Goods Tax Act. This policy will add a 10% tax to the purchase of items such as private jets and yachts. “They believe the tax will make luxury travel less attractive by reducing carbon emissions from private jets,” says Carlucci. Ultimately, the private travel trend won’t end on its own, “so getting consumers to pay for these habits and invest increased revenue in electric travel would be an ideal solution.” We can work to make all air travel more sustainable, explains Terry Tamminen, former California Environmental Protection Agency secretary and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s environmental policy guru. “Strategies could include technical mandates for more efficient jet engines, cleaner-burning fuels, incentives for the development and deployment of zero-emission airplanes, and methods to reduce miles flown or idling engines at airports,” he says. These approaches can reflect past sustainability successes, such as California’s vehicle emissions standards and federal fuel economy standards. “[These] they’ve gotten tighter over time, so that today’s cars are over 90% cleaner than our parents’ cars and trucks,” says Tamminen. Environment-focused legislation has also helped pave the way for the development of zero-emission vehicles. “We still have time to keep things from getting worse, but only if we take personal action to reduce our carbon footprint and support political leaders and policies that regulate industry like the aircraft industry,” says Tamminen. So by all means, keep shouting at celebrities on social media if you want — but remember that your ballot in local and state elections can shout even louder. ●
