Stamp Out Poverty, a non-profit organisation that campaigns to raise money to fight global poverty and climate change today unveils a provocative film that shines a light on the highly polluting, undertaxed sector of premium aviation, in particular private jets.
The goal of the short film and of the campaigns conducted by Stamp Out Poverty in recent months is to secure political buy-in and public legitimacy for global solidarity levies on premium aviation. It is hoped that the film will help pave the way for an announcement at COP30 later this month of a global coalition framework, bringing the world closer to a fairer, global system of climate financing by taxing premium air travel.
The short film which takes visual cues and inspiration from inflight safety cards is created by London based strategy and creative agency Don’t Panic. It uses animation in a playful, airline aesthetic to illustrate frame by frame the disproportionate damage that private jet use does to the planet.
At COP30 it is hoped that parameters will be agreed on how to tax private jets. If this can be achieved it will be the first international solidarity levy for climate and development finance in the world, building ‘a coalition of the willing’ model between participating countries. Several countries have already signed up to the idea in Seville last July including France, Spain, Kenya, Somalia, Benin, Sierra Leone, Antigua and Barbuda as well as the European Union providing technical support. At COP30, more countries are expected to join, with more details on countries’ commitments and implementation timelines expected.
David Hillman, Founding Director of Stamp Out Poverty comment: “It’s a no-brainer to tax premium travel used by just 0.003% of the population but if implemented globally, a private jet solidarity levy could raise €34 billion per year. These funds could be used for urgent climate and development needs around the world.
David continues, “Premium travel has seen a sharp rise in recent years with a 46% increase in emissions between 2019-2023 with a projected increase of 41% in the private jet market by 2030 as well as first class travel outpacing that of economy tickets. By tackling premium flyers, this solidarity levy will help ensure premium aviation – a highly polluting, undertaxed sector – pays its fair share for climate and development finance.”
The short film was shared last month on the platforms of Stamp Out Poverty.