Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, an outspoken proponent of climate change activism, owns a private jet that burned more than $158,000 worth of jet fuel in less than two months.
Zuckerberg’s jet, a Gulfstream G650, has burned at least $158,448 worth of jet fuel across 28 different trips between Aug. 20 and Oct. 15, according to data from flight tracking software ADS-B Exchange compiled by programmer Jack Sweeney. [bold, links added]
The jet has crisscrossed across the continental United States, traveling to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and several other states often before returning to its apparent base in San Jose, California.
In that time, Zuckerberg’s private jet emitted more than 253 metric tons of carbon, a greenhouse gas that experts say contributes to global warming and climate change.
By comparison, according to The Nature Conservancy, the average American has a total carbon footprint of 16 tons a year while the average person worldwide burns about 4 tons a year.
The Gulfstream recorded several long-distance cross-country treks over the last two months, but also made multiple short trips, the data showed.
For example, the jet traveled 18 miles between two Arizona airstrips on Oct. 15, and 28 miles from Carlsbad, California, to San Diego on Aug. 28.
But despite his jet’s large carbon footprint, which is 15 times larger than the average U.S. citizen’s carbon footprint, Zuckerberg has frequently given money to climate change causes and has spoken out on the importance of solving global warming for future generations.
Facebook has also sought to combat climate misinformation on its platform.
“We get that our greatest challenges need global responses too — no country can fight climate change alone or prevent pandemics,” he continued. “Progress now requires coming together not just as cities or nations, but also as a global community.”
In 2021, Zuckerberg said part of the reason he was committed to advancing virtual reality technology was that it would be “better for society and the planet” than traveling on “cars and planes and all that” in an interview with technology publication The Information.
Months later, Facebook announced it would launch the Climate Science Information Center and shell out $1 million to organizations working to combat climate misinformation.
“Climate change is one of the most urgent issues impacting our world today, and Meta is committed to helping tackle this global challenge,” Facebook parent company Meta said in the Sept. 16, 2021, announcement.
And the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a private foundation founded by Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan in 2015, has contributed tens of millions of dollars to climate initiatives.
In February, the organization said it would give $44 million to the research and development of technologies that remove carbon emissions from the air.
Facebook has previously explained that Zuckerberg’s use of a private jet is part of his “security program.” According to the company, Zuckerberg flies private due to Facebook’s “high visibility” and “specific threats” to his safety.
“Mark Zuckerberg uses private aircraft for travel in connection with his overall security program,” Facebook stated in a recent proxy filing.
“Since March 2022, we charter a private aircraft that is indirectly and wholly owned by Mr. Zuckerberg and operated by an independent charter company for business and personal travel by Mr. Zuckerberg,” the filing continued.
“On certain occasions, Mr. Zuckerberg may be accompanied by guests when using such aircraft, and certain of our other personnel may also use such aircraft for business travel.”
Zuckerberg is the latest high-profile climate activist celebrity whose private jet usage has raised eyebrows. Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, and Steven Spielberg have each frequently traveled on private jets while expressing concern about human-caused global warming.
Spielberg’s Gulfstream G650 burned $116,000 worth of jet fuel between June and August.
“I’m terrified of [global warming],” Spielberg remarked in 2018. “Global warming is a scientific reality. It’s not a political trick. It’s a true piece of real, measurable, quantifiable science.”
“You know when you’re not mindful of something that could pose a danger to your children and grandchildren?” he continued. “Then you just go blithely through life with aerosol cans and doing all sorts of things that are depleting the ozone.”
h/t RO
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As usual, it is the poor, elderly, and the struggling middle class that must make the sacrifices. The elite are exempt!
“…virtual reality … better for society and the planet than traveling on cars and planes and all that.”
Virtual Reality? Such as in an 8 x 10 room with a computer screen, no window. A desk, a bed, an in-room “outhouse” and the door is unlocked for one hour each day?
Compared to being camped beside a stream in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Fresh air, a reason to walk, and enjoy nature, and a good chance of dropping a fishing lure in the creek and having fresh trout for supper.
“Virtual” reality? Bah Humbug! I’ll take the real thing.
Zuck better read the Swedish news
Don’t concern yourself. The “Celebs” are most concerned about their jet travels being “tracked.” I’m sure that will be eliminated shortly. Can’t have “misinformation” that is contrary to the narrative…