Scientist and policy analyst Vaclav Smil taught us that energy is money—the universal currency. That’s one reason why rich people have such high carbon footprints: They have lots of money and converting it into carbon dioxide is very conspicuous. Writer Indrajit Samarajiva noted that high status itself is associated with emitting more carbon.

“As you get rich, you stop taking the bus, you drive a car, you drive a ‘sports’ car. The less efficient your car is (Lambo, SUV, cars following you) the more it signals wealth. As you get richer, you fly more, you fly private, and you begin emitting hideous amounts of carbon. And this is cool. This is desirable. This is #goals.”

Many not-so-rich people are beginning to notice the big increase in private flying and are getting out the pitchforks, or at least the super glue. In November 2022, 800 Extinction Rebellion activists climbed the fences around Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and swarmed the private jets, keeping them from moving.

“The superrich have got used to polluting as they please with a total disregard for people and planet, and private jets are the pinnacle of these luxury emissions that we simply cannot afford,” activist Jonathan Leggett told The Intercept. “Our action brought them back to earth. We wanted to show the extremeness and injustice related to this manner of transport.”

Extinction Rebellion NL noted in a statement at the time:

“The wealthy ‘jet set’ is responsible for most of…