Most people tend to gravitate toward renewable energy, electric vehicles, or reducing plastic waste when they think about sustainability. Yes, these are important, but did you know freight shipping is also a part of sustainability? The shipping industry makes a great contribution to environmental impact.
From essential supplies like food and medicine to luxury items, virtually everything we rely on has, at some point, been transported via freight. As climate change and resource depletion accelerate, the equation for success in this sector has flipped: environmental responsibility now trumps profitability. But how does sustainable freight shipping fit into the larger picture? Let’s find out.
The Environmental Cost of Freight
The larger volume of goods shipped worldwide makes the freight industry an important contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the International Transport Forum, freight accounts for roughly 8% of global CO2 emissions. Much of this comes from the dependence on fossil fuels for powering ships, trucks, trains, and airplanes.
Massive 18-wheelers are some of the worst air polluters on the road. They produce over 50% of Nitrogen Oxide emissions and over 20% of particulate matter (PM) emissions in the U.S. Pollution spews forth a toxic cocktail of smog, dirty air, and devastating health consequences – think chronic breathing troubles and cardiac woes.
In the time of next-day deliveries and international shipments, the environmental costs are increasing. There’s no doubt that the convenience of a global trade system has helped economics grow. But it has often come at the expense of our planet’s health.
What is Green Shipping?
The global community’s environmental consciousness has been continuously increasing. Companies and consumers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, so they prefer everything with sustainable solutions. Green shipping is also one such movement that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of moving goods.
Multiple environmental projects converge to form the core of green shipping, a fledgling concept unfolding steadily. Improving fuel efficiency or adapting cleaner energy sources like biofuels, electric vehicles, and hydrogen-powered engines are popular among other initiatives. In an effort to rectify their ecological footprint, many organizations are actively pursuing carbon offset programs to erase their emissions altogether. In some cases, companies cannot completely avoid their carbon emissions. So, they invest in renewable energy projects that compensate for their environmental impact.
Why Freight is Important for Global Sustainability
Global sustainability usually means reducing emissions, conserving resources, and protecting our ecosystems. Freight touches on all these areas.
Global cargo activity is essentially fueling climate change. Cutting these polluting emissions drastically has never been more crucial – we owe it to the planet. If freight-related emissions remain unchecked, they will undermine global efforts to limit temperature rise to the 1.5° target set by the Paris Agreement. Global climate goals are within our grasp if we can slow down the carbon footprint of cargo ships. Every day, we delay, which puts the brakes on progress.
The air in urban areas is tainted by freight, particularly trucking, which roars through communities in high volumes. whether it’s near a bustling port or a network of highways, communities coping with pollution are a stark reminder of diesel engines’ dark side. Some neighborhoods even suffer from disproportionately high pollution levels . When freight operations get a cleanliness overhaul, the air we breathe gets cleaner and public health flourishes as a result.
Freight is a major consumer of fossil fuels. Although there has been progress in using renewable energy for certain sectors, freight transport remains heavily reliant on oil. Freight companies are hostages to fortune, facing the whims of fuel markets, simmering geopolitical tensions, and the unavoidable fact that fossil fuels won’t last forever. Freight can either be a major polluter or a power for good – the trick is to choose sustainable options that reap dividends for the planet while they move our goods. Electric trucks or ships powered by renewable energy are some of the solutions.
Steps to Take Towards Sustainable Freight
The freight industry takes several steps to reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability:
1. Improving Fuel Efficiency:
Improving fuel efficiency can reduce emissions. This is achieved through more aerodynamic vehicle designs, lightweight materials, and advanced engine technologies.
2. Using Alternative Fuels:
Switching to cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels is a major step forward. Electric trucks and ships are slowly being introduced. They offer lower emissions and reduced dependence on oil-based fuels.
3. Smart Logistics:
Many companies are currently using technology to optimize their freight transportation. Data analytics, machine learning, and other digital technologies are helping them simplify routes. They are also helping them reduce empty miles, and better use resources.
4. Collaboration Across Supply Chain:
Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers work together to reduce their environmental impact. Everyone contributes to a greener and more sustainable freight system, from sustainable packaging to choosing more practical shipping routes.
Conclusion
Freight is the invisible engine that keeps the global economy moving. To create a sustainable future, we must address the environmental impact of freight transport. Global sustainability goals are within reach when you make the conscious decision to prioritize sustainable freight – it’s the smart choice for a greener tomorrow. With collaborative efforts, freight can become an inevitable part of the solution rather than a contributor to the problem.
Photo by Mateusz Feliksik: Pexels
