July 15, 2024 - By : admin
The demand for fast and efficient delivery in the post-pandemic economy has led to a significant increase in air freight emissions. An analysis by Stand. earth reveals that air freight operators have seen a 25% rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, with about 300,000 more flights in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge has been driven by consumer expectations for speedy delivery, exemplified by Amazon’s Prime membership, which serves over 200 million people globally.
Dr. Devyani Singh, a co-author of the analysis, has raised concerns about this expansion, describing it as “a new climate and human health threat.” The report suggests a shift to lower-carbon modes of transport, such as marine shipping or rail, as air freight produces approximately 80 times more carbon than shipping by sea or truck.
The analysis attributes the sharp increase in emissions to changes in the post-pandemic economy and the rise in e-commerce, where rapid shipping has become the norm. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, air freight was mainly used for perishable goods, time-sensitive deliveries, and luxury items. However, pandemic-era supply chain disruptions have led to a rise in transporting non-perishable and lower-value goods by air.
Additionally, the report highlights a significant change in air freight operations. During the pandemic, a decrease in international air travel led to the expansion of cargo-only fleets. Although passenger travel has resumed, the number of cargo-only flights remains high. By 2023, air freight emissions had increased by 25% from 2019, reaching 93.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, emissions from belly cargo—cargo transported in the belly of passenger planes—have rebounded to nearly 90% of 2019 levels.
FedEx and UPS are responsible for 24.7% of the industry’s carbon emissions, with 99.8% of aviation fuel still derived from fossil fuels. The scaling of low-carbon replacements remains a distant prospect.
Despite these challenges, there is a sustainable solution. At Shipspry, we pride ourselves on utilizing the available belly capacity on passenger flights for more than 95% of our shipments. This approach significantly reduces our carbon footprint compared to dedicated cargo flights.
As global annual parcel volume is projected to rise to 800 billion parcels by 2030, compared to 315 billion in 2022, the need for sustainable shipping solutions is more critical than ever.
We invite businesses to partner with Shipspry to minimize their environmental impact. By choosing to transport cargo on passenger flights, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. Consider working with Shipspry to determine how we can move your cargo efficiently and responsibly.
Together, we can make a difference. Choose Shipspry for your air freight needs and take a step towards reducing your carbon footprint.