Anders Holch Povlsen, the owner of Jenners building in Edinburgh and Scotland’s richest man, has come under fire for his private jet firm, Blackbird, making over 1100 flights despite his support for a climate-boosting project initiated by Prince William. Povlsen, a Danish billionaire and the largest landowner in Scotland, acquired the Jenners building in 2017 and is a significant financial supporter of the Prince’s EarthShot prize.
Critics have accused Povlsen of greenwashing, as the environmental efforts to restore land in the Highlands do not outweigh the environmental damage caused by his private jet company. The Sunday Mail reported that Povlsen’s personal flight usage faced scrutiny, particularly for flying between Denmark and Inverness numerous times, including transporting Lionel Richie and up to 200 guests to his extravagant 50th birthday party at Aldourie Castle last summer.
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell condemned the use of private jets, labeling them as the most environmentally harmful mode of travel. He emphasized the inconsistency of wealthy individuals, like Povlsen, promoting climate action initiatives while contributing to environmental degradation through private jet travel. Research revealed that Blackbird Air flew between Denmark’s Billund airport and Inverness 42 times between 2020 and 2023, with most trips occurring in 2023.
Despite Povlsen’s contributions to environmental causes, such as rewilding vast areas of his Highland estates through Wildland Ltd, critics argue that such actions do not offset the negative impact of his private jet usage and investments in fast-fashion businesses like Bestseller and Asos. Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion Scotland highlighted the disparity between the super-rich, who perpetuate the climate crisis through their luxurious lifestyles, and the communities bearing the brunt of environmental consequences.
Experts, including Alethea Warrington from climate charity Possible, condemned the use of private jets, emphasizing the significant emissions and environmental harm caused by such modes of travel. They called for a ban on private jets to align with climate goals and ensure a sustainable future for all.
The criticism surrounding Povlsen’s private jet usage underscores the need for individuals, especially those in positions of wealth and influence, to align their actions with environmental values and support sustainable practices. Despite his contributions to environmental projects, the scrutiny on his private jet company serves as a reminder of the importance of holistic environmental responsibility and accountability in combating climate change.
