While we grapple with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the very real threat of climate catastrophe, some continue to indulge in a brand of luxury that spews pollution into the atmosphere at an alarming rate. Private jets are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and their impact is magnified when considering the unnecessary short trips many billionaires take. Trips that could be done by car, train, or even bicycle are instead taken in private jets, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in their wake. Here are some outrageous examples of ultra-short private jet flights taken by billionaires. Newsflash: the disconnect between exorbitant wealth and ecological responsibility is shockingly vast:
Kim Kardashian
It is a 17-minute flight from Van Nuys, California, to Burbank, California, a distance of just 12 miles (19 km) that could have easily been covered by car.
Floyd Mayweather
A 10-minute flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, a mere 200-mile (322 km) trip achievable by car or high-speed rail in a fraction of the time.
Alex Rodriguez
A 20-minute flight from Miami to the Bahamas, a 186-mile (300 km) journey that could have been completed by ferry or commercial airline with minimal environmental impact.
Steven Spielberg
A brief 15-minute hop from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, California, a distance of only 80 miles (129 km), readily doable by car.
Mark Wahlberg
A quick 17-minute private jet flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, a 120-mile (193 km) trip that wouldn’t take much longer by car.
Richard Branson
A leisurely 25-minute flight from his private Necker Island to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, a mere 10 miles (16 km) apart, easily accessible by boat.
Oprah Winfrey
A 15-minute private jet flight from Chicago to St. Louis, a 290-mile (467 km) distance readily served by commercial airlines.
Travis Barker
A needless 12-minute private jet flight from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, a distance of just 80 miles (129 km) easily covered by car.
Kylie Jenner
A short 12-minute private jet flight from Van Nuys, California, to Palm Springs, California, a 100-mile (161 km) trip accessible by car.
Jay-Z
A quick 15-minute flight from Teterboro, New Jersey to the Hamptons in New York, a distance of only 70 miles (113 km) readily doable by car or train.
Leonardo DiCaprio
A brief 20-minute private jet flight from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Nantucket, Massachusetts, a 186-mile (300 km) trip commercially available by plane or accessible by train and ferry.
Paris Hilton
A frivolous 10-minute private jet flight from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas, a 200-mile (322 km) distance easily covered by car or high-speed rail.
Tom Cruise
A quick 15-minute private jet flight from Burbank, California, to Santa Monica, California, a mere 20 miles (32 km), readily achievable by car or public transportation.
Jeff Bezos
A leisurely 20-minute private jet flight from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada, a 130-mile (209 km) trip readily served by commercial airlines, or even a scenic ferry ride.
Elon Musk
A reported 15-minute flight from San Jose to Sacramento, California, a distance of just 120 miles (193 km), easily covered by car or high-speed rail.
Donald Trump
Multiple reports of short private jet flights between his properties in Florida and New Jersey, ranging from 90 to 180 miles (145 to 290 km) – trips achievable by car or commercial airlines.
The Saudi Royal Family
Known for their extravagant use of private jets, including instances of short flights within Saudi Arabia itself, highlighting the unnecessary nature of such travel.
Marc Cuban
While specific details are limited, reports suggest Cuban has taken short private jet flights within Texas, a state with a well-developed highway system.
Peter Thiel
Similar to Marc Cuban, reports suggest Thiel has taken short private jet flights within California, a state with extensive car and high-speed rail options.
Mukesh Ambani
The richest man in India, Ambani, has been linked to short private jet flights within India despite a growing domestic airline network.