Rachel’s Blogs

For this week’s Eco Ventures I took a look at the shipping industry, and more specifically at a technology one company has created to help shipping firms reduce not one, not two, but all three major gasses that are emitted from ships. (carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide)

According to some shipping industry numbers, shipping accounts for about 80% of global trade. And some say, the pollution caused by one ship is equivalent to that of 50 cars.

I suppose, considering the size difference, there is no surprise there.

But I think an important takeaway from this week’s story is an interesting comment passed on to me some time back. While many in the industry perceive it to be costly to implement systems such as scrubbing systems to their vessels to reduce the number of harmful gasses and particles emitted, depending on investment or type of technology purchased, it only takes around one to three years to see a return on that investment. And this is not that much considering it can cut back carbon emissions by as much as 70 percent.

Now I wonder if any of us think of the environmental impact of all this – because at the end of the day, after cost cuts and bottom lines, that’s what it comes down to.

Some studies show that the shipping industry could be responsible for as many as 60,000 premature deaths from heart and lung cancer EVERY YEAR.

And not to mention the impact on flora and fauna in coastal cities – the rise of Co2 emissions is estimated to be related to the 60% drop in the global bee population.

Now putting that into consideration – can you imagine what a difference a 70% reduction would make?

Not just that, but there are also more simplistic ways for shipping firms to cut carbon emissions – such as slower speeds to use less fuel, “better” ship designs and so on.

I have to say though, I’m genuinely impressed by what I have seen from the shipping industry in efforts to teach an old dog new tricks. These things do take time – but at least industry bodies, firms and solution providers appear to be sailing in the right direction.

I wonder if we are. Do you consider the environmental implication when you step into a car – go on holiday – get on that plane – or go on that cruise?

Why not calculate your carbon footprint – it may surprise you!! There are a few sites on line that can help you do that.

Interestingly sprouting from this – there are a number of online sites (if you’re an online shopper like me) that claim to offer economical ways to make your delivery carbon neutral.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS