John Kerry, the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, faced criticism from a House lawmaker on Thursday over his use of a private jet that has emitted hundreds of metric tons of carbon, bringing the issue of his jet travels back to the burning news cycle.
At a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., addressed Kerry on his operational team and private jet, to which Kerry tersely responded, “we don’t own a private jet. I don’t own a private jet. I personally have never owned a private jet. And obviously, it’s pretty stupid to talk about coming in a private jet from the State Department up here. I just honestly, if that’s where you want to go, go.”
Fox News Digital previously reported that Kerry had invested in a Gulfstream GIV-SP that made a total of 48 trips lasting more than 60 hours and emitted an estimated 715,886 pounds, or 325 metric tons, of carbon since President Biden was sworn into office.
Kerry and his family have announced that they had sold the private jet to a New York-based hedge fund during the summer of 2022. Despite this, conservatives around the web have continued to express their discontent with the Envoy.
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., tweeted: “He doesn’t own one but he sure does use one!”, while many others used social media to express their disbelief regarding the impeccable timing of Kerry’s private jet trips, while he simultaneously works with countries to reduce their carbon emissions.
Recent criticisms of Kerry’s trips have contributed to a larger discussion over how many public figures and individuals contribute to climate change – but still claim to be reducing their carbon footprint. Conservative outlets have pointed out that there are other ways for individuals to offset their carbon emissions, such as by flying commercial or by joining a group that plants trees on their behalf.
Meanwhile, scientists are stressing the urgency that comes with curbing climate change, with some expressing grave concern that humanity is running out of time to reduce its carbon footprint.
In response to the issue of climate change, Kerry has said that he is taking steps to address environmental concerns. In 2019, he told Icelandic reporter Jóhann Bjarni Kolbeinsson that he had devoted his life to fighting climate change and that he offsets his carbon consumption.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that the issue of Kerry’s private jet travels continues to be a point of contention for multiple parties. The dynamic of the conversation is constantly changing, as new information is coming to light and more discussion is being had regarding the issue.
Biden “climate envoy” John Kerry on his use of private jets:
“We don’t own a private jet. I don’t own a private jet. I’ve personally never owned a private jet!” pic.twitter.com/JkoeWEyiuZ
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 13, 2023
