Climate agreement calls for conscious transport choices

27 February 2023

The further reduction of CO2 emissions is inevitable for everyone. As such, the requirements, wishes and pillars are clearly set out in the International Climate Agreement. We explain the implications for the logistics industry here. We also offer customers insight into CO2 emissions from import, export and cross trade transports on our web portal. This will help you make the most sustainable transport choice.

Outcome of the Climate Agreement

In 2015, the global climate agreement was concluded in Paris. This is an agreement between different countries from around the world. The aim of the agreement is to reduce global warming, in the hope of reducing CO2 emissions by 49% by 2030.

The Netherlands is also taking part. Government, the business community, and civil society organisations must work together to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Each sector will do its bit in the coming years.

Traffic and transport can and must be smarter. Businesses and consumers need to move away from natural gas. Switching to solar panels and other cleaner energy sources such as hydrogen could contribute to the solution. In addition, a lot is changing in traffic within a relatively short period of time. For example, from 2030, all newly sold passenger cars must be 100% electric.

Impact on transport and logistics

In the transport sector, diesel trucks will be banned from 2040. The European Commission wants 400,000 zero-emission trucks on the roads by 2030. These trucks are electric or hybrid. Although only 340 such vehicles are now in circulation, more and more brands are offering such trucks.

‘By 2050, almost all vehicles on our roads should be emission-free. Our climate law requires it, our cities demand it and our manufacturers are preparing for it.’ So said Eurocommissioner Frans Timmermans in the Nieuwsblad Transport, earlier this month. This certainly sounds like a very ambitious plan here. But according to Timmermans, responsible for climate, it is badly needed to achieve the climate and zero pollution targets set.

The European Union’s goal is to be climate neutral by 2050. To achieve this, active participation is required from all stakeholders. In the coming years, a large energy grid should be built, with suitable charging points for zero-emission trucks. In addition, the committee is calling on the transport sector, fuel industry, industry and science to also accept renewable fuels as environmentally friendly alternatives.

Transport more consciously by calculating your own CO2 emissions

By being aware of the impact of our behaviour on the environment, we can make more sustainable choices. Ritra Cargo has developed a CO2 calculation model that makes it easy to calculate your emissions.

With the CO2 calculation model, we offer you insight into the CO2 emissions of import, export and cross trade transports. As a shipper, it helps you make more conscious transport choices. The calculation model shows how many kilos of emissions are caused by:

• Main transport by sea or air freight (to Rotterdam or Amsterdam)
• The transhipment associated with the on-carriage
• Onward transport (by truck, barge or train)

As standard, we also always list your emissions on your invoice and via our online tools TRACOS and TRACOS Lite. Questions? Please feel free to contact us.