As nearly half the world reaches record-breaking temperatures, it’s becoming even more evident that climate change is real and happening at a faster rate than we can imagine. Climate change has a domino effect on many aspects of modern life. One of the most affected areas is logistics, which can significantly impact businesses. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some critical facts that business owners should be aware of regarding logistics when it comes to climate change. These facts include airline capacity, shipping, and fuel consumption that should shape how we prepare for possible delays and increased costs.
Airline capacity is a vital part of logistics, and many airlines use planes that can’t take off in 118-degree heat. The only exception is the Airbus A320neo family, which can operate up to 126-degree heat. During our summer months, many hubs in the south, such as Atlanta and Phoenix, are grounded due to high temperatures. That’s why business owners who rely on air freight need to plan accordingly to avoid downtime or additional costs.
Another aspect of logistics is shipping via water. With every degree increase, offloading of ships becomes more challenging. The docks expand, and the water level rises, making it challenging to transfer goods. Shipping companies need to make adjustments to ensure that schedules are met and delays minimized. Business owners should be aware of possible shipping delays due to extreme weather conditions and plan their inventory accordingly.
In logistics, fuel consumption is a significant factor. As temperatures rise, trucks require more fuel to stay cool, leading to higher consumption. These increased costs will undoubtedly be passed onto the consumers. Business owners should be prepared for higher transportation costs, which can eat into their bottom line if not accounted for adequately.
Climate change is no more a hoax, and it’s essential for business owners to lead the change by incorporating sustainable practices that can reduce the carbon footprint. Logistics companies can explore alternative energy sources such as electric vehicles, investing in smart technology that reduces fuel consumption and save costs.
Conclusion:
Climate change is happening at a faster rate than we’ve ever imagined. Its impact on logistics has significant consequences for businesses, from shipping delays, groundings, increased costs due to higher fuel consumption. Business owners need to be conscious of these facts and plan accordingly to mitigate the impact of climate change on their operations. This includes investing in sustainable practices, being aware of shipping and airline capacities during extreme weather conditions, and being prepared for higher fuel costs. Together we can lessen the impact and become part of the change that’s so desperately needed towards a more sustainable future.