Greenpeace analyzed the emissions produced during the week of World Economic Forum 2022 (May 21-27) in the Swiss town of Davos.
La Research conduct C. E. Delft, a Dutch environmental consultancy firm, revealed that i private jets landed and departed from the airports around Davos were well 1040, generating emissions of CO₂ four times higher than those which on average are attributed to this type of aircraft in the other weeks of the year.
Flights caused 9.700 tons of CO2 emissions, equal to the weekly emissions of 350.000 average cars. A big environmental impact.
On average, there were 200-250 private jet flights per day during the period, double that of any other time of the year (50-100).
Considering that there were 2.500 participants, it is estimated that approx one out of ten traveled on a private jet.
Results that show the hypocrisy of the world's greats who meet every day in the Swiss town to talk, among other things, about the environment and sustainability.
The data of the Report and the criticisms of Greenpeace
The criticism leveled at the mighty of the earth is given by the fact that the 38% of all flights with private jets (391 flights in total) were flights ultra short (less than 500km) and approx 53% of flights consisted of sections a short range less than 750 kilometres, distances that they could easily have covered by train or car.
Il 6% of flights traveled less than 100km. The shortest recorded flight was 21km.
Germany was the country that has logged multiple flights (223), followed by France (169) and Italy. There were 116 flights between Italy and Davos during the forum.
Many therefore could have participated using an alternative means of transport to the private jet which produces an extremely high level of per capita pollution.
“The richest and most powerful people on the planet gather in Davos to discuss crucial issues like the climate crisis and inequalities, but they go there using the most unfair and polluting form of transport: private jets. 80% of the world's population has never taken a plane, but still suffers from consequences of emissions that alter the climate. If the Davos Forum really wants to demonstrate commitment to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement it should, once and for all, put an end to thehypocrisy and the unacceptable waste of energy of private flights. This is why we ask the Italian government to ban private jets and unnecessary short-haul flights, so that we can ensure a green, just and safe future for all," she said Federico Spadini, Climate and Transportation Campaigner by Greenpeace Italy.
The 2023 edition is underway
The new edition of the World Economic Forum kicks off from today until 20 January.
This year's theme is “Cooperation in a Fragmented World”. Among the main topics under discussion are the economic crisis with the specter of recession and the war in Ukraine.
Notable absentees from the edition will be the US president Biden and the Chinese one Xi. There will be 52 heads of state present. Italy is represented by the Minister of Education Valditara. The participation of the Ukrainian president is expected Volodimir Zelensky by video conference.
