A recent study revealed that harmful carbon pollution from private jets has surged by 46% in just five years — and Redditors are not happy about it.

A post on r/science shared findings from researchers at Linnaeus University in Sweden. The study, published in November in Communications Earth & Environment, highlighted the fact that private aviation isn't just a niche luxury but a major and growing contributor to air pollution.

The original Reddit thread sparked a heated discussion, with one of the top commenters saying, "Only getting worse too, record sales from the business jet industry, all those fresh billionaires need toys to play with."

"World may be crumbling under an environmental and economic catastrophe in the making, but the billionaires are having fun in the meantime (at the expense of the rest of us) and we can't even have a serious discussion about it without them freaking out and buying a whole load of politicians to make damn sure we can never address these worsening issues," the Redditor continued.

Private jets account for a fraction of global air travel, but they have an outsize climate impact. According to The Guardian, Transport & Environment estimated that private flights produce up to 14 times more pollution per passenger than commercial planes. 

Critics argue that as climate crises escalate, excessive personal air travel sends the wrong message about responsibility and sacrifice.

Pollution from personal aircraft doesn't just vanish in the atmosphere; it accumulates, contributing to global heating, worsening air quality, and intensifying extreme weather. 

The study's authors emphasized that stringent environmental regulations are necessary to address the climate impact of private aviation. Meanwhile, other researchers are exploring eco-friendly aviation fuels and emerging electric aircraft tech as long-term solutions. 

Travelers can lower their impact by choosing direct flights, avoiding unnecessary trips, and supporting airlines' green initiatives.

In the comments, frustration was palpable. "Tax private jets into oblivion," one user said. 

Another added, "When the 'solution' to address climate includes the richest individuals flying on jets to make policies that don't address climate collapse, then it is definitely time to understand how stupid everyone is."

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