Here’s another from the “do as I say, and not as I do” hypocrites department. It’s World Cup time in South Africa and the world’s biggest sporting event is attracting the world’s biggest names (and environmentalists).
The Financial Times has a report here on air traffic congestion caused by too many private jets flying to and from Durban, South Africa, all thanks in large part to celebrities and leaders; some of whom are well-known for environmental activism. Angela Merkel for example made the flight from Germany to South Africa to watch Germany’s quarterfinal game. Bill Clinton attended some USA matches.
But Leonardo DiCaprio emerges as the World Cup champion hypocrite. Enviro-Dicaprio thinks its okay to jet-set between his mansions, sporting events and Las Vegas nightclubs with Paris Hilton, after making his bust enviro-drama documentary, which admonishes the rest of the world to live more modestly.
Can you see the solar panels? Well, neither can I.
Indeed, congestion caused by the environmentally destructive private jet traffic in Durban got so bad that it caused additional environmentally destructive rerouting of commercial jets. According to the Financial Times:
The situation was described as “absolute chaos” by the pilot of one British Airways flight which took off from Cape Town in mid-afternoon but was diverted to Johannesburg.
The BA pilot added:
…that the problem was caused by the airport allowing too many private jets to land at Durban, leaving the runways clogged up and unable to accept scheduled flights.
The BA pilot also
…told passengers he had no choice but to take the plane to Johannesburg because the plane’s fuel was starting to run low.
Flights had to be rerouted to Johannesburg so as not to interfere with the travelling celebrities.
The baggage hall at OR Tambo international airport in Johannesburg was filled with scores of angry fans, some of whom said they had spent up to R10,000 ($1,300) for their semi final tickets.
P, I suspect Mr. DiCaprios personal definition of modest may be slightly different to what we would consider modest?
And I suppose there is nothing wrong with all the jet setting and lifestyle as long as it is being done by the right sort of people…
Reply: I’ve got nothing against such a lifestyle – hats off! I just don’t accept these people asking others to go without. -PG
Great post. Ill be following your blog.
[…] He’s probably living next door to carbon fighters Laurie David, <a href="https://notrickszone.com/2010/04/28/camerons-hypocritical-climate-crde/”>James Cameron and Leonardo DiCaprio. […]