As the Cali COP kicks-off in Colombia, it is worth remembering that we all live on one planet – a unique, precious planet that is being rapidly reshaped by climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. We are witnessing a rise in global temperatures and sea levels, a change in rainfall patterns bringing droughts and deluge, leaving humans and wildlife and the ecosystems on which they are dependent struggling to adapt to this evolving reality.  

It is clear that every sector must contribute to the solution and the shipping sector, in particular, has an important role to play in helping the planetary transition to a sustainable future. More so than one may think. Shipping carries up to 90% of global trade across the oceans, making it possible to have manufactured goods, fossil fuels and natural resources with just a snap of our fingers.  

But as climate change becomes more prevalent, it becomes clear that the story of the relentless pursuit of wealth and material gains has a detrimental effect on our health and our planet’s health. One Planet Shipping brings new stories to the table. Stories that shift our mindset. Stories that prioritise people and planet over profit. It brings a vision that will help all aspects of shipping to operate sustainably, celebrating a just transition that leaves no-one behind.  

Planetary Boundaries 

One way of measuring our role in maintaining Earth’s sustainability is by looking at planetary boundaries. This concept presents a set of nine planetary boundaries, indicating the ecological limits within which humanity can safely operate to avoid destabilising the Earth’s systems. Crossing these boundaries increases the risk of triggering irreversible environmental damage: the latest science indicates that six out of the nine have already been crossed*. 

Shipping is an international industry and regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization and bodies involved in regulating global trade could be leaders for change, providing the right kind of regulation, systems and training needed on a global scale to keep global trade and shipping from contributing to the planetary boundaries spill over. 

Four Stories for a One Planet Shipping:  

Wind First: Decarbonising the shipping industry with a One Planet approach means sourcing new energy. As many look at high technology alternatives fuels – most of which are still polluting, costly or use up precious renewable energy – One Planet Shipping looks at harnessing the power of wind. Wind technologies installed on vessels can be considered as a viable means of propulsion, particularly when using it with other energy sources such as electricity. Essentially, it is cheaper and pollutes less. Updating the existing global shipping carbon intensity indicator, to include wind power to clean up shipping, as well as including wind power in the proposed global fuel standard and the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation (Fit for 55 package of climate measures), are all ways to work towards a fairer and less polluting shipping industry. 

Safe load: We’ve already pointed out that shipping carries most of the global trade around the world, but the question is: do we really need all that stuff? Cargo carried from one port to another on the other side of the world should be cargo that is essential, with zero waste. Due to overconsumption, the Earth is close to the point of no return. Reducing the amount we consume can reduce the amount we ship, which in turn, reduces the extent of the ecological crisis. Introducing strong policies can help create a low-consumption economy, with the concept of sufficiency that ensures that everyone has access to basic necessities. With such a concept, richer countries can focus on well-being and health, which is declining despite a growth in GDP. Low consumption countries would still need to raise their standard of living, but this could happen in a more sustainable way as pressure from richer countries to extract and ship virgin materials would be reduced.  

All Aboard: Our world is full of inequalities, and shipping is no exception. Tackling inequality will reduce the need to ship products long distances to find cheaper producers and wealthier markets, , in turn reducing the demand for cheaper materials, manufacturing, and cheap labour. One viable proposal is introducing an ambitious polluters-pay levy to carbon-heavy vessels, distributing the revenue gained to less-developed countries needing support.  A just transition in shipping means better distribution, more jobs with better pay, and high-quality training. Discussions and tactics have already started at the IMO, World Maritime University, and other fora, but immediate action is needed.  

Homeward bound: At the moment, we are currently witnessing long supply chains which are vulnerable to climate, ecological, social and geopolitical shocks, but what would the world look like if we looked closer to home? Localisation and regionalisation, with shorter supply chains, strengthen local economies by reducing reliance on distant markets, promoting prosperity and security that benefits both communities and the planet.  

Ports serve as vital hubs for supply chains and often benefit from government subsidies, yet profits frequently flow back to private companies, leaving the taxpayer with lighter pockets – along with an increased local noise and air pollution. However, ports are uniquely placed to become leaders of the One Planet approach. They could become hotspots for circular and regenerative economies, promoting equality and paving the way for a just transition to a sustainable future. This can be done through ambitious port strategies, and by, for example, including EU ports in the EU circular economy action plan.   

One Planet Vision  

We don’t take this challenge lightly: we need a fairer and cleaner future for shipping, and our One Planet Shipping report is the compass to guide us there.  

But to get there, we must embrace change, and celebrate those who dare to make bold, forward-thinking decisions – however challenging they may be. Industries need to adapt by shortening supply chains, building smaller, more efficient ships, and fostering a highly skilled, diverse workforce. Most importantly, we must learn to operate within Earth’s limits. Now is the time to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for One Planet Shipping.  

 

Read our One Planet Shipping report – Navigating the waves of climate change here. 

*Based on the Planetary Health Check 2024 assessment: 9 boundaries assessed, 6 crossed (Earth exceeds safe limits: First Planetary Health Check issues red alert — Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research)