Nike Cuts Sustainability Staff While Jets Keep Polluting

Nike's private jet usage has significantly increased during CEO John Donahoe's tenure, with over 100 flights recorded at Moffett Field in just three and a half years. According to flight-tracking data, the company's jet emissions rose nearly 20% from 2015 levels, which serve as a baseline for its climate objectives. Prior to Donahoe's appointment, Nike averaged about 10 flights annually to Moffett, but this number surged to approximately 30 flights per year from 2020 to mid-2023. The environmental impact of these flights is notable, particularly when considering the carbon footprint of private jet travel. Experts indicate that a single private flight can emit 160 times more carbon per passenger compared to commercial flights. Nike's jets frequently made same-day trips to Moffett, sometimes spending as little as 25 minutes on the ground, raising questions about the necessity and environmental implications of such travel. While Nike emphasizes that the majority of its emissions stem from material production for its products, the company has been more transparent about its private jet emissions than many of its competitors. A review of disclosures from 30 companies revealed that Nike is unique in reporting emissions specifically from corporate jets, with only half of the companies disclosing emissions from business travel in general. Despite private jet travel accounting for less than 0.1% of Nike's total emissions, it represents 6% of the carbon emissions from assets owned by the company. This figure has increased as Nike has transitioned to renewable energy for its global operations, highlighting a complex relationship between corporate travel practices and sustainability commitments.