As Superyachts’ Popularity Grows, So Is Their Supersized Climate Impact
A French sociologist characterizes the boats of the ultra rich a form of “ecocide” for the heavy toll they’re taking on the planet.
A Lurssen megayacht at Yacht Haven Grande during the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show in February. The company is developing a ship powered by hydrogen fuel cells for Apple Inc.’s former watch developer Marc Newson.
Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/BloombergSuperyachts are the ultimate status symbol for royal families, oligarchs and billionaires from Jeff Bezos to Bernard Arnault. The floating palaces are a source of fascination and secrecy — and greenhouse gas emissions.
The planet-warming pollution caused by luxury vessels that benefit the very few has led lifestyle social scientist Gregory Salle to dub them a form of “ecocide” and “conspicuous seclusion” in his new book, Superyachts: Luxury, Tranquility and Ecocide.