Slowing the transport speed of an 800-foot container ship from, say, 16 knots to 12 knots, serves two purposes. It saves money for the shipping company and the client, and it reduces carbon pollution by a significant amount. Here are two sources of information on the topic:
World Shipping Council Proposes global Vessel Efficiency System to reduce carbon emissions. (Maersk Line)
and
Slow Trip Across Sea Aids Profit and Environment (New York Times)
The same is true for vehicles on the highway. If we want to get serious about reducing demand for OPEC oil, the impact on the environment, and the impact on our wallets, we should consider slowing down a bit. It won't hurt anyone, and the benefits are immediate, tangible, and uncomplicated.
Comments