During the COVID19 pandemic ports in such places as Los Angeles dominated the headlines. In the early part of 2022, a near halt occurred in shopping which impacted the world. However by 2021, the demand for good skyrocketed and consumer purchasing become unquenchable. The ports, such as L.A.-Long Beach port complex in Southern Californian became the
nation’s largest source of pollution as it struggled under the stress. The Los Angeles/Long Beach port is the largest container port in the Western Hemisphere. Goods flow from the port not only to supply buyers in the United States but also to Asia.
Growing Problem of Air Pollution Near Ports
Many people who live close to the ports noticed an increase in air pollution which was a direct reflection of the sheer growth and push of the supply chains. The unparalleled growth is not expected to slow down any time soon. In fact, it has continued and grown in the last
three years.
Recently, President Biden announced the hours of port operation in an effort to better keep cargo moving. ThePort of Long Beach also constructed a new bridge which allows more container
ships passage. The demand for container ships will continue to grow. Economic concerns abound because the report supplies thousands of area jobs to residents.
Undoubtedly the huge ships push infrastructure demands which are at odds with eco-friendly solutions. Many consumer goods are shipped and they have only a limited lifespan with appliances, electronics, apparel, and furniture often ending up in the landfill. The entire process is not sustainable or eco-friendly.
Air Quality Problems
Many offices and regulators have received considerable backlash because they simply have not took action to safeguard public health in communities around the ports. The air quality continues to spiral downward. Luckily there are some electrical equipment forecast to be used which will help to lower the use of fossil fuels. Cargo fuel ship is far worse than diesel. At this time, the reduction in fossil fuels is being pushed at all ports.
The Possible Future of the Shipping Industry
A livable future should be planned which focuses on fewer ships and goods which are handled slowly with a strong focus on cleaner energy, remediation of any contaminated sites, and environmental stewardship. However, to make such advanced changes will require reevaluating
how business has been done for the last century. The future of the supply chain
must focus on less fossil fuel dependence.
A just energy transition will require that we examine every part of business as usual. That means reconsidering how we’ve managed the ports for the past century. We should be reimagining their role in a more democratic, far less fossil-fuel-dependent future.
