Shipment pollution is often overlooked in discussions about Climate change and sustainability. However, as e-commerce continues to boom, the impact of shipping emissions is becoming impossible to ignore. According to a recent report from Pacific Environment and Stand.earth, cargo ships used by 18 of the largest U.S. retail, fashion, tech, and furniture companies, including Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, emitted about 3.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021. This is equivalent to the annual climate Pollution from 750,000 passenger cars.

The report also highlights the release of thousands of metric tons of cancer– and asthma-inducing nitrous oxide and particulate matter into port communities, which disproportionately affects lower-income people of color. This is why it is crucial for retail companies to demand cleaner shipping fuels and practices from freight companies. Pacific Environment’s climate campaign director, Madeline Rose, called on retail companies to work towards net-zero emissions by 2030.

While some companies, such as Dell and Ikea, have responded positively to Pacific Environment’s report, others have remained silent. It is important for companies to reject ships that run on fossil fuels, such as heavy fuel oil and liquefied natural gas. Instead, companies can demand freight partners to decarbonize by 2030 and Support the development of zero-emission capable container ships, which can run on green methanol, battery power, wind propulsion, and green hydrogen.

In California, environmental groups are urging the state’s Air Resources Board to phase in a zero-emission requirement for all ships that dock in California ports. Federal legislation proposed last year would do something similar across the U.S. It is crucial for regulators to tighten emissions targets for the shipping industry.

While shipping emissions are a complex issue, it is essential for companies to acknowledge their responsibility in reducing their environmental impact. Consumers can also make a difference by supporting sustainable brands and demanding more transparency from companies about their shipping practices. By working together, we can move towards a more sustainable future.

Stop F*cking With The Planet Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

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