Never before has a British tabloid ruined Harry and Meghan, be it the names they give their children or the timing of their Instagram posts (opens in new tab).

Journalist and royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti was interviewed by the Express this week (opens in new tab) and noted that for someone who also constantly talks about the threat of climate change, Harry certainly uses his private jet a lot Just last week, Harry was criticized for using two private jets in a row to attend a polo match (opens in new tab). It turns out that "because I play sports" is not a suitable excuse for someone who purports to be environmentally conscious!

Here is what Sacerdoti said in an interview:

"I think the visual of Prince Harry flying by private jet to the polo match was definitely problematic for the image that the Sussexes were projecting. When you talk about the urgent need to change human behavior in order to combat the problem of anthropogenic climate change, but then fly across the country in a private jet to play a polo match and back again, people wonder if you are taking your own warnings and messages seriously. People will wonder if you are taking your own warnings and messages seriously."

Exactly! In a week in which the reality of climate change has become clear, lip service to the issue will no longer suffice. While airplanes are generally emissions intensive, private jets are among the worst modes of transportation in terms of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. (Opens in new tab) It is estimated that one hour of travel by private jet releases two tons of carbon into the atmosphere (to put this in perspective, the average car releases just over twice that amount, but over the entire year).

With hypocrisy about inequality, climate change, and especially both being hot buttons, perhaps it is time to put the brakes on such conspicuous consumption. Harry should really consider alternatives to private jet travel. Because by actually practicing what he preaches, other mega-rich celebrities may feel the need to follow suit. After all, Harry and Meghan have a huge influence, and what they do, or fail to do, affects not only themselves, but far beyond.