Bill Gates Asserts That He Will Keep Flying Privately And Push For Action On Climate Change

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One of the worst things a person can do to the environment is to utilize a private jet to travel, whether it’s across the globe or just a short 20-minute journey. The World Wildlife Fund describes air travel as “currently the most carbon-intensive activity a person can do” and “one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions driving global climate change.”

You undoubtedly already know that one of the worst things you can do to accelerate climate change is to travel privately. Additionally, you’re surely aware of Bill Gates’ vocal support for environmental causes. Bill Gates travels in a private jet.

How does he defend himself? Will he then stop?

During a recent interview with the BBC, Gates brought up his usage of a private plane. Instead of apologizing, Gates claims that his work on climate change makes up for any long-term harm that his use of a private plane might cause:

“Well, I pay Climeworks to do direct air capture, which is considerably superior to the carbon footprint of my family, by purchasing the gold standard. And I invest a lot of money in… climate innovation. So, you know, should I stay at home instead of traveling to Kenya to study agriculture and malaria?”

According to Gates, he is “okay with the idea that, in addition to not being part of the problem by paying for the offsets, and in addition to being part of the solution through the billions that my Breakthrough Energy Group is spending.”

The goal of carbon capture technology is to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere before it harms the environment on Earth. Carbon dioxide is thought to be a major contributor to global warming.

Bill Maher said that he frequently takes private flights in a recent episode of his show. A humorous photo montage of famous climate activists boarding or deplaning from luxury planes was also included in the episode.

He singled out some of the most outspoken climate advocates in the world, who also happen to be celebrities. The following was montaged:

• Oprah
• Paul McCartney
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• Drake
• Mark Zuckerberg
• Ben Affleck
• Prince Charles
• Brad Pitt
• Beyonce and Jay-Z
• Bono
• Sting