Kim Kardashian has found herself at the center of a storm of criticism, accused of engaging in what some call ‘eco-terrorism’ due to her frequent use of her private jet. Since the beginning of the year, the reality star has reportedly embarked on more than 30 flights, raising eyebrows with a particularly audacious five flights in one single day, some of which lasted as little as 10 minutes.
Despite the growing awareness and backlash against the lavish use of private jets among A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kardashian appears unfazed, showing no signs of curbing her air travel habits in 2024. According to data compiled by an Instagram account called kimkjet, which tracks Kardashian’s jet usage, her flights have collectively consumed over 35,420 gallons of fuel and have emitted a staggering 425 tons of CO2 emissions.
What’s more alarming is that many of Kardashian’s flights have been remarkably short, with 15 trips clocking in at under 40 minutes each, and eight of those lasting less than 15 minutes in the air. These quick jaunts add up to significant environmental impact, contributing to the global carbon footprint.
To put this into perspective, the environmental toll of Kardashian’s jet-setting lifestyle is immense. According to calculations using the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, offsetting the carbon emissions from her flights would require planting approximately 7,027 trees and allowing them to grow for a decade. Alternatively, the energy expended by her flights is equivalent to the annual usage of 55 houses or the electricity consumption of 83 homes for a year.
Kardashian’s private jet, a Gulfstream G650ER purchased in 2022 for a reported $95 million, has become a symbol of opulence and excess. Custom modifications have reportedly increased its value to around $150 million. Dubbed ‘Kim Air,’ the jet gained public attention through its appearances on episodes of her family’s reality show, “The Kardashians.”
One of the most notable trips made by Kardashian aboard her private jet was during her attendance at Paris Fashion Week in late January. After flying from California to New Orleans, she jetted off to Paris on January 25 to attend the Maison Margiela Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show. However, her whirlwind visit didn’t end there; she promptly flew back to Los Angeles the same day to attend her son Saint West’s basketball game, only to return to Paris the following day.
Critics argue that such extravagant and frequent air travel is unnecessary and irresponsible, especially given the mounting concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. Despite the availability of alternative modes of transportation and growing awareness of the environmental impact of air travel, Kardashian’s continued reliance on her private jet sends a message of disregard for the planet’s well-being.
In conclusion, Kim Kardashian’s extravagant use of her private jet has sparked condemnation and accusations of environmental negligence. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the lavish air travel habits of celebrities like Kardashian highlight the stark contrast between luxury and environmental responsibility.