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The Impacts of COP26 and developing Sustainable Logistics Systems

What Happened at COP26?

This “last, best hope” to save our planet consisted of diplomats from almost 200 countries who agreed to intensify the efforts to fight against climate change. Next year, governments should have a plan in place to stop global warming emissions. Wealthy countries are asked to double their funding for this by 2025. 

The top priority that came from this conference stated that global temperatures need to be reduced by 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit. To do so, global 

CO2 emissions should be cut in half by 2030 in order to stop the release of methane. 

The United States and Europe suggested that countries such as India, Indonesia, and South Africa should steer away from using coal power and fossil fuels but they do not have the money to do so. These vulnerable countries are paying the price from emissions given off by rich countries such as the United States, western Europe, Japan, and Canada. Developing countries asked for the money and resources they are lacking to create cleaner energy. The United States and the European Union declined.

On the upside, some agreements had come out of the summit. Specifically, the U.S. and China agreed to cut their emissions within this next decade. United States President Joe Biden announced that the United States will be cutting emissions up to 52% by 2023. China has committed to make a plan to reduce methane emissions and “phase down” coal by 2026. Over 100 leaders, including the United States, agreed to end deforestation by 2030. Again, more than 100 countries agreed to lower methane emissions by 30% by the end of 2030. Lastly, India pledged to reach “net zero” emissions by 2070. 

So, with all this talk of emissions reduction and sustainability enhancements, what can we do in the Transportation and logistics sector to do our part? 

Practicing Sustainability

As you might have guessed, logistic chains aren’t very climate friendly. They are responsible for more than 80% of global carbon emissions. How can this industry help reduce emissions and become more sustainable?

AI

AI is creating a positive change for logistic companies. Not only are AIs better for the environment, but they are better for your company as well. AI-enabled trucks can predict the miles needed and adjust how much fuel will be needed to maximize the fuel efficiency. Using AI can also reduce paperwork, reduce waste, and reduce emissions. 

Pop-Up Warehouses

Pop-up warehouses allow for many solutions in logistics. An expanded network of warehouses allows you to be closer to your customers and more efficiently manage distribution. This not only cuts down on the emissions put out from driving but it also reduces shipping costs, delivery times and painful supply chain disruptions. 

Fuel Technology

Using fuel like diesel is a more efficient alternative when it comes to fueling trucks, it has negative impacts on our environment. Biofuel and eco-friendly vehicles are leading the way to meeting sustainability goals and additional sustainable options include sea shipping, eco-friendly train solutions and hybrid or electric vehicles. There are also ways to use green energy to reduce emissions, think energy-powered electricity, solar systems, and water recycling systems. 

Green Logistics

Logistic companies are taking initiatives to reduce environmental impacts created by transportation. Some ways you can see that happening is through biodegradable packaging, special software to calculate your carbon footprint, solar powered vehicles, etc. 

Industry leaders are also working to develop what some refer to as circular logistics, wherein products that are returned are efficiently recycled, reused, or redistributed to other consumers. This helps to reduce waste. The concept of circular logistics will impact supply chains from top to bottom, manufacturers will need to focus on creating products that can be easily recycled or reused, but are also durable enough to be redistributed.  Further down the chain, distribution centers will be challenged to create solutions in shipping and receiving to appropriately manage returned goods for recycling or redistribution.

Paystar’s Sustainable 3PL Process

At Paystar Logistics, we will continue pushing forward to do our part to support a more sustainable supply chain, throughout our process. We are proud to be a Smartway High Performer and are committed to maintaining our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment in our day to day operations. 

Our support staff is dedicated to reducing waste and improving efficiencies across our processes through investment in technology and making the shift to a paperless workspace. 

As our global community works to put sustainability at the forefront in the coming years, we hope you will join us in making an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of our global supply chain, every day. 

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