Offsetting ‘no solution’, says Greenpeace

Sir Elton John’s carbon offsetting of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private jet flight is “no solution” to aviation emissions, Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist has warned.

Dr Doug Parr said good works could be done through offsetting schemes, but it is not a “meaningful response”.

Pop star Pink is the latest celebrity to join singer Sir Elton and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres in defending Harry and Meghan after they faced criticism for using private jets despite their environmental campaigning.

Pink said the duchess has been subjected to “the most public form of bullying I have seen in a while” and called on people to show “it’s cool to be kind”, while Sir Elton condemned the “relentless and untrue assassinations on their character”.

Sir Elton revealed he provided Harry and Meghan and their baby son Archie with a private flight to Nice to “maintain a high level of much-needed protection”.

He wrote on social media that he had made sure the flight was carbon neutral by making the “appropriate contribution” to a carbon footprint fund.

But Greenpeace policy guru Dr Parr stressed on Twitter: “Carbon offsetting is not a meaningful response to aviation emissions.

“Good works can be done with cash out into offset schemes, but it is no solution.”

Harry and Meghan reportedly took four private jet journeys in 11 days, including staying with Sir Elton in Nice.

The duke highlighted the importance of protecting the environment last month, saying: “With nearly 7.7 billion people inhabiting this Earth, every choice, every footprint, every action makes a difference.”