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With five private jets, Travolta still lectures on global warming
Last updated at 10:37am on 30.03.07His serious aviation habit means he is hardly the best person to lecture others on the environment. But John Travolta went ahead and did it anyway.
The 53-year-old actor, a passionate pilot, encouraged his fans to "do their bit" to tackle global warming.
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Happy landings: John Travolta's plane collection parked at his home in Florida
But although he readily admitted: "I fly jets", he failed to mention he actually owns five, along with his own private runway.
Clocking up at least 30,000 flying miles in the past 12 months means he has produced an estimated 800 tons of carbon emissions – nearly 100 times the average Briton's tally.
Travolta made his comments this week at the British premiere of his movie, Wild Hogs.
He spoke of the importance of helping the environment by using "alternative methods of fuel" – after driving down the red carpet on a Harley Davidson.
This is your captain: Travolta on tour for Qantas
Travolta, a Scientologist, claimed the solution to global warming could be found in outer space and blamed his hefty flying mileage on the nature of the movie business.
But his appointment as a "serving ambassador" for the Australian airline Qantas doesn't seem to have much to do with the movies. Nor does a recent, two-month round-the-world flying trip.
"It [global warming] is a very valid issue," Travolta declared. "I'm wondering if we need to think about other planets and dome cities.
"Everyone can do their bit. But I don't know if it's not too late already. We have to think about alternative methods of fuel.
"I'm probably not the best candidate to ask about global warming because I fly jets.
"I use them as a business tool though, as others do. I think it's part of this industry – otherwise I couldn't be here doing this and I wouldn't be here now."
Travolta's five private planes – a customised £2million Boeing 707, three Gulfstream jets and a Lear jet – are kept at the bottom of his garden in the US next to a private runway.
Indeed, such is his enthusiasm for flying, he persuaded his wife, actress Kelly Preston, to name their son Jett when he was born 14 years ago.
Five years ago he piloted his own Boeing 707 on a 13- city "Spirit of Friendship Tour" for Qantas, taking in Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, London, Paris and New York and amassing over 35,000 flying miles.
More recently, a gruelling promotional schedule for his two latest projects, Hairspray and Wild Hogs, has seen him fly extensively over the past year.
This includes a country-wide tour of the US and a visit to Canada as well as this week's appearance in Leicester Square.
Such prolific mileage means that, over the past 12 months, he has accumulated around 800 tonnes of carbon emissions.
According to a recent study by the government-funded Carbon Trust, this means he boasts a carbon "footprint" nearly 100 times that of the average Briton, who is responsible for 10.92 tons of Co2, from his flights alone.
One of the world's leading climate change businesses, the Carbon Neutral Company, has written to Travolta, suggesting ways he could reduce these alarming levels.
He has yet to respond to their advice. Environmental groups were quick to criticise Travolta for "discrediting the cause".
John Buckley, managing director-of CarbonFootprint.com, said: "John Travolta has such a high-profile celebrity status, so what he says carries an extraordinary amount of weight.
"So it is such a shame when someone of his standing is so outspoken about green issues, yet fails to practise what he preaches.
"Unfortunately someone of his standing ends up discrediting the cause itself, because he is saying people should protect the environment on one hand, yet travelling on a private plane on the other.
"Green issues are serious and should be treated as such.
"It is vital for celebrities to toe the line when they speak out in support of it."
Reader views (9)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
I believe that the US Government will never stand behind the idea of Global warming caused by us, as they make so much $$$$$ off the Airline Industry and the fuels they use. I think John Travolta is a good person and he probably tries to help in anyway he can. Although he flies his jets and such, he probably uses less hairspray now a days.
- V.S., California, USA
There is no excuse for 'supporting an issue' that you know passes judgement and preaches to others while doing exactly the opposite. Al Gore with his wordly travels, John Travolta with his WORLD WIDE travels, Robert F. Kennedy and his alleged concerns about 'too many SUV's".
They're all a bunch of hypocrits spewing lectures while living the lifestyles most of us can only dream of.
- James Ryder, Commack, NY
This article is hilarious. You have the idiot "carbon credit" companies making a fuss and trying to extort a public figure for millions of dollars because he acts like a public figure who's earned millions of dollars should.
John as a fellow Floridian I'll help you out, man. I will sell you carbon credits at half the price those daffy Brits want. In exchange, I will give you a certificate stating emphatically that neither I nor 99 of my friends will buy a four engine 707 in the next 10 years. So feel free to fly the world buddy, guilt free!
Or better yet, you can really help the "environmental cause" by promising to star in a screen adaption of Michael Crichton's "State of Fear". I'll produce it. With you attached to the project I'm sure we can set up a deal where it is 100% funded by the sale of "Carbon Credits" from people sick of this global warming hysteria.
- Mike Moran, Orlando, FL
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