SNP urged to tax 'lavish lifestyles' of super-rich after pollution limit breached in just 10 days

The stark warning comes as it is revealed the amount of harmful carbon dioxide that can be added to the atmosphere without pushing the world beyond the dangerous 1.5C of warming has been used by by the superrich within the first ten days of 2025.

The analysis from Oxfam claims the emissions of the richest 1 per cent since 1990 have caused - and will continue to cause - trillions of dollars in economic damage, extensive crop losses, and millions of excess deaths.

Oxfam Scotland has branded the alarming milestone “pollutocrat day”, saying it should serve as a wake-up call to MSPs to harness an unused devolved tax to target private jets such as those used by Donald Trump.

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Campaigners are urging the Scottish Government to use devolved powers to introduce a private jet tax as well as examine plans for a frequent flyer levy.

Scotland is yet to introduce devolved air departure tax over a long-standing row with the Treasury to do with an exemption for the Highlands and Islands. But the UK government told The Scotsman last month there was no barrier for SNP ministers to bring forward plans for the levy.

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “Private jets are the poster child of climate injustice, heaping yet more unnecessary pollution on a planet that’s already consumed by a deadly combination of floods, fire and famine.

“The Scottish Government faces a stark choice: take bold action to make these rich polluters pay for their lavish lifestyle choices or remain complicit in their deadly destruction.

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“A private jet tax would send a powerful message that Scotland won’t tolerate the reckless demolition of our collective future.”

He added: “With the Scottish Budget on the line, MSPs have a no-brainer opportunity to help get Scotland’s climate credibility back on track – tax private jets, raise vital funds for green initiatives and show the world that Scotland really means business on climate action.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government continues to explore all options for implementing air departure tax in a way that protects airline connectivity in the Highlands and Islands.

“We will review the rates and bands of air departure tax, including the rates on private jet flights, prior to the introduction of the tax to ensure they are aligned with our net zero ambitions.”