How Is The Masters Affecting The Environment?
With The Masters in full swing, for one week only, Augusta Regional transforms its airport into a stadium sized global hub that sees up to 35,000 people walking through its doors.
According to Business Insider, around 1,600 private jets arrive to watch one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
Although great for business, the question we want to know is, how does this affect the environment?
Fuel Consumption
Private jet emissions are known to be significantly worse than any other form of transport. Their flights produce predominantly carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fuel which contributes to global warming.
According to the BBC, one of the most popular jets burns 189 gallons (857 litres) of fuel an hour on average.
Insider notes that Augusta Regional expands its operation, with direct flights from New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Austin.
We’ve broken down the average time it takes to arrive at Augusta from each listed destination and the aviation fuel being used. Please note that direct figures will depend on which jet is being used, its occupancy levels and the flight duration.
Duration it takes to get to Augusta:
New York - 3h (2571 litres)
Philadelphia - 2h (1714 litres)
Boston - 5h (4285 litres)
Chicago - 2h (1714 litres)
Miami - 4h (3428 litres)
Austin - 4h (3428 litres)
On average that’s a total of 17,140 litres! Plus that’s just looking at private jets, Tim Weegar, the airport's director of operation told Insider that he estimates the airport will go through over 500,000 gallons of fuel over the course of the week!
How Can This Be Resolved?
Augusta could be a bit more restrictive on their private jet space. Insider notes that not only does Augusta Regional close two of their shortest runways to park private jets but they spread across neighbouring airports.
If they limit their space, this forces commuters to take alternative means of transportation. Arguably, a commercial flight does use more fuel per hour, however it is able to take more passengers than a private jet and therefore produces fewer emissions per person.
For more information on how to be more environmentally friendly, visit our blog.