In the pursuit of a net-zero future, free of C02 emissions, the ‘cooling effect’ of decarbonisation on the logistics and supply chain industry is ushering in a costly consumption storm, according to some scientists, which consumers will ultimately have to pay for.
According to the European Commission, maritime transport plays an essential role in the EU economy and is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, but is also a large and growing source of greenhouse gases.
“In 2018, global shipping emissions represented 1 076 million tonnes of C02 and were responsible for around 2.9% of global emissions caused by human activities.
“Projections show that these emissions could increase by up to 130% of 2008 emissions by 2050.
“If the climate change impact of shipping activities grows as projected, it will undermine the objectives of the Paris Agreement: a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.”
The Commission continues to warn that, at EU level, maritime transport represents 3 to 4% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions, or over 124 million tonnes of CO2 in 2021.”
To curb global warming, the EU has implemented an Emissions Trading System (ETS) that is projected to have a significant impact on the global supply chain and logistics sector.
Starting in 2024, companies involved in transporting goods to, from, or within the European Economic Area (EEA) must purchase and submit allowances for their CO2 emissions.
These allowances, known as European Union Allowances, must be purchased annually and apply to all shipping companies. The carbon pricing mechanism will gradually increase the carbon price per ton of CO2 from 2024 to 2027, with companies needing to submit allowances for 40% of their emissions in 2024, 70% in 2025, and 100% from 2026 onwards.
According to forecasts by the International Transport Intermediaries Club (Itic), the EU ETS is expected to cost the global shipping industry billions of euros.
Itic has warned that implementation of the EU ETS has created tensions between shipowners and charterers regarding the fair distribution of costs and legal risks within charter agreements.
“The cost implications are significant as the EU ETS is likely to cost the industry billions in extra fees.”
As always, consumers will feel the brunt of increased costs incurred by producers, manufacturers, and those responsible for bringing to market.
But is it really necessary?
A documentary that has just aired, Climate the Movie by Martin Durkin, makes a compelling case for inaccurate data assessment and manipulated statistical modelling, belying the global warming narrative.
Compiled by interviewing the likes of Greenpeace founder Dr Patrick Moore and a slew of respected scientists, many of whom have been denounced as climate change denialists, Durkin makes a case against a small elite manipulating the consumer market by masquerading behind public-spirited concern.
“What environmentalists call ‘de-growth’, is being achieved by the trashing of our conventional energy and transport systems and the forced introduction of expensive and unreliable alternatives,” the documentary comments.
“Already, this is having the desired effect on industrial manufacturing, which is straining under the burden of punitive green taxes, regulation and higher energy prices.”
Tom Nelson, an engineer and climate podcaster, says: “The people behind climate alarm couldn’t give a damn about manufacturing. They have nothing to do with it, they don’t know people who work in manufacturing whose jobs and lives depend on it. They’re not excited by industry or industrial progress. They explicitly want to shut it down.”
According to Austin Williams, author of Enemies of Progress, The Dangers of Sustainability, people advancing the cause of sustainable development are talking about no development, especially insofar as poorer countries or emerging economies are concerned.
“To develop sustainably means not using too much energy or too much carbon.”
Net-zero, he says, is based on the idea that you mustn’t use too many resources or produce too many consumer goods because consumption is bad.
“Ultimately, the idea of development is out the window.”
- Watch Climate the Movie.
