A coalition of 13 nations has announced a new climate tax targeting private jets and business or first-class flights, aiming to make wealthier, high-emitting travellers contribute more to global climate action.
The declaration, unveiled on November 15 at COP30, directs revenue generated from the tax toward climate-related initiatives.
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Despite the measure focusing on high-carbon luxury travel, only two high-income countries have joined the coalition so far, with most members coming from the Global South.
The initiative seeks to address the disproportionate emissions produced by luxury flights, which generate significantly more CO₂ per passenger than economy travel or most other transport modes.
Climate advisor Mattias Söderberg of DanChurchAid praised the move, noting that private jet emissions are among the highest per passenger and that governments should act on this long-neglected issue.
He argued that wealthy nations, whose citizens account for the largest share of luxury flight emissions, should be leading such efforts instead of lagging behind.
Söderberg described the limited participation of affluent countries as disappointing and embarrassing, stressing that lower- and middle-income countries should not bear the burden of climate leadership alone.
He emphasized that for countries in the Global South already facing climate-related losses, the tax represents a meaningful source of adaptation finance and a step toward climate justice.
The coalition has encouraged more nations to join, with hopes that additional commitments will emerge as COP30 progresses.
Söderberg also highlighted that every effort to cut emissions and generate funding for vulnerable communities is crucial, especially initiatives with clear messages urging the wealthiest to take greater responsibility.
The declaration adds momentum to broader discussions at COP30, where debates on fossil fuel phase-out, climate finance and global equity continue to shape the negotiations.
