Walmart, Amazon, and Ikea are targets of Minneapolis' resolution. Most of the ships that are contracted out by separate shipping companies are asked to abandon fossil-fueled ships. The big brands are asked to dock only 100 percent zero-emissions ships by the year 2030.
The Minneapolis City Council Member said that she joined the call to top maritime polluters to commit to decarbonizing efforts. Target is a major contributor to shipping emissions and the city of Minneapolis is home to the retail brand.
About 3 percent of global emissions and more than all U.S. coal plants combined are attributed to the international shipping industry. This is due to the scale of international trade and the fact that most ships still use fossil fuels.
Environmental justice issues are caused by shipping. Fossil fuel-powered ships generate hazardous particulate matter and sulfur oxide pollution, which contributes to elevated rates of childhood asthma and cancer, as well as some 250,000 premature deaths annually. Low-income communities of color are more likely to be affected by these dangers.
The Pacific Environment is one of the environmental organizations that coordinates the Ship It Zero coalition. She said that for port communities in Long Beach, California, life expectancy is up to eight years lower than for communities living away from the ports.
It will be hard to decarbonize shipping. Today's solar panels take up too much space to be used on massive cargo ships, batteries are too heavy, and zero-emissions fuels are still too expensive to power a global shipping fleet. It's possible that hydrogen and ammonia are less energy efficient than fossil fuels. Ammonia can release hazardous nitrogen oxide or unspent fuel when it is burned.
There aren't any zero-emissions shipping companies that can accommodate Target's needs. Minneapolis can help create the conditions needed for decarbonization, according to experts. By demanding fossil fuel-free shipping on an accelerated timetable, policymakers can spur research, generate demand, and increase pressure on major corporations, all of which can help make the ship it zero goals possible.
It is becoming more important for companies to take action because consumers are demanding it. A race toward the top will become an economic imperative to decarbonize in order to maintain a 21st century reputation.
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