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Activists deface Swift's jet

Climate activists vandalize private jets in London airfield protest. Two arrested.

Published June 20, 2024 at 12:42pm by Saman Shafiq

Climate activists vandalize private jets at Stanstead Airport during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in London

Two climate activists were arrested for criminal damage and interference with the use of national infrastructure after vandalizing private jets at Stansted Airport, reportedly including Taylor Swift's jet. Climate protest group Just Stop Oil claimed responsibility, demanding the UK government commit to ending fossil fuel extraction and burning by 2030. Swift's excessive use of private jets has drawn criticism, with estimates of her 2024 Eras Tour emissions reaching 511,154 kilograms of CO2.

Essex Police reported that two climate activists were arrested after gaining access to a private area of Stansted Airport and vandalizing private jets. The suspects, Jennifer Kowalski (28) and Cole Macdonald (22), are members of the climate protest group Just Stop Oil, who claimed responsibility for the action. The group stated that Kowalski and Macdonald "painted two private jets using fire extinguishers filled with orange paint" to protest the UK's inaction on climate change and the excessive emissions of private jet users.

Taylor Swift's jet is believed to have been parked at the airport, with her Eras Tour ongoing in London. While Stansted Airport declined to confirm Swift's jet's presence, flight tracking reports indicate it landed at the airport the night before the incident.

Swift has been criticized by climate activists for her excessive use of private jets. Her flights in 2023 emitted an estimated 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide, and her 2024 Eras Tour is expected to emit 511,154 kilograms of CO2.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow of Essex Police stated, "We are not anti-protest, but we will always take action where criminal acts take place."

Climate activists continue to pressure governments and high-emitting individuals to take urgent action to address the climate crisis, even as they face arrest and criticism.

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