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1ST CLASS BUNGLE

David Beckham slammed for taking 30 flights despite climate change campaign

Footie legend would have been responsible for 80,000kg of CO2

DAVID Beckham has come under fire for repeatedly taking first-class flights despite campaigning for the environment.

A Sun on Sunday investigation found the former footballer took 30 long-haul luxury trips in 2018.

 David Beckham's first-class flying has been responsible for 80,000kg of CO2
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David Beckham's first-class flying has been responsible for 80,000kg of CO2Credit: Getty - Contributor

It would have racked up huge amounts of emissions as the seats take up three times more room than economy.

Becks, who has worked with the World Wildlife Fund and supported climate change documentary Our Planet, would have been responsible for 80,000kg of CO2. If he flew economy it would have been 20,120kg.

Actress Emma Watson, 29, is also thought to have repeatedly gone first class on transatlantic trips in 2018.

This is despite her flashing her eco credentials by wearing sustainable fashion at red carpet events.

Prof Kevin Anderson, who specialises in climate change, called for celebrities to be more responsible for their flying habits. He said: “They have got to lead by example.”

 Football pundit Gary Lineker flew first-class to Russia which would have produced 670kg of CO2
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Football pundit Gary Lineker flew first-class to Russia which would have produced 670kg of CO2Credit: Getty - Contributor

It comes as 100 stars signed a letter calling for climate change action. They included ex-footballer Gary Lineker, who has posted photos travelling business-class to Russia despite fellow pundit Terry Butcher flying economy. He would have produced 670kg of CO2 compared to Butcher’s 420kg.

Beckham’s jet setting saw him take seven flights between Miami and the UK, two flights to Beijing from the UK along with flights to Jakarta, South Africa and Palo Alto, California, in 2018. Harry Potter star Emma has previously partnered with Fairtrade fashion company People Tree to create a sustainable clothes range.

Her spokeswoman said: “Emma pays to offset her air travel carbon emissions with Climatecare.org.” Beckham’s rep did not comment.

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