I believe that global pandemics –COVID-19 for example – is proof that we need to be mindful of how industry and commerce interact with our natural environment and its resources. Synthetics are not a good long-term solution and I would hate to see our most significant natural resources synthesized out of necessity. That is an entirely different discussion on how global companies could monopolize life-sustaining elements and supplies. This article addresses sustainability in the international shipping and trade industry and provides commentary by Victor Restis, president of Enterprises Shipping and Trade.
For now, it looks like Mr. Restis and other international shipping and trade executive have their eye on the ball and are moving in the right direction toward sustainable practices that are environmentally friendly in the shipping and trade industry. As they should. The shipping and trade industry is the number one user of fossil fuels and is used to transport supplies and materials around the world. It is good to know that the leading transportation companies are taking an organizational approach throughout the world and that they’ve set multiple goals of reducing carbon emissions by both 2030 and 2050.
Mr. Restis points out specific areas where international shipping and trade companies can make sustainable changes. Several factors such as effective exhaust gas cleaning systems, use of cleaner ballast water, use of alternative fuels, leveraging natural resources for power generation, reducing marine litter, improving ship recycling processes, and slow steaming are all under consideration for changes in cargo shipping vessel sustainability.
Mr. Restis also comments on research and innovation within the industry as well. Innovations through research and development are the gold standard in any evolution of practice or trade, and it seems that the shipping industry is taking a serious stand. Examining new ways to lessen emissions toward the 2030 and 2050 goals is not only a function of any corporate social responsibility program, it is a requirement.
The topic of sustainability is an ongoing conversation across many industries. After all, sustainability is rooted in any company’s survival, and to remain competitive, companies must place a reasonable number of resources into their sustainable practices. Sustainability is also a hot topic on the topic of globalization and climate change.
This is our only planet and I agree that everything should be done to protect it for future generations.
