The environmental impact of traditional superyachts is undeniable. Recent data shows that the top 300 superyachts alone contribute nearly 285,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually – more than the entire country of Tonga. With nearly 6,000 superyachts currently on the water, this luxury fleet has become a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond CO2 emissions, superyachts also create other environmental concerns. These include wastewater discharge and noise and light pollution that disrupt marine ecosystems. Some experts, like French sociologist Gregory Salle, even label these yachts as a form of “ecocide,” pointing out the disproportionate environmental damage caused for the benefit of an ultra-wealthy few.
Sujita Sinha