When asked about the status of his $3 billion climate pledge, Branson tends to plead poor, pointing to the losses posted by his transportation businesses.39 But given the manic level of growth in these sectors, it’s an excuse that rings hollow. Not only have his trains been doing quite well, but given the flurry of new routes and new airlines, there was clearly no shortage of surplus money to spend. It’s just that the Virgin Group decided to follow the basic imperative of capital: grow or die. It’s also worth remembering that Branson was very clear when he announced the pledge that if his
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