21/06/2024

We often talk about delivery, mentioning the benefits of various methods and routes for the end consumer and for business. Some routes are faster, others are cheaper. But how does logistics affect the environment?

Considering that all transport emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the impact is large. In terms of numbers, logistics produces approximately 24% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change.

The majority of emissions are from the last mile and come from passenger cars. In second place are trucks. Airplanes create the least amount of pollution.

Why is this happening?

Firstly, it has to do with logistics routes. Naturally, customers want products added to their door. And if during wholesale purchases, goods are delivered to the warehouse, then when delivering, for example, goods from marketplaces, couriers deliver goods to addresses literally 1 piece at a time.

Secondly, there is another problem. Often the cars are not fully loaded. And, for example, several companies transport goods from one warehouse along the same route. Roughly speaking, 3-4 cars go to the same addresses at once. And the goods in them could fit into one car, but the companies did not agree among themselves. As a result, everyone spent more on delivery, and they also caused more harm to the environment than they could.

Thirdly, the human factor plays a big role. For example, drivers often choose a route using a navigator. They get stuck in traffic jams, or they have to drive off-road and spend more fuel. This might not have happened if AI were responsible for constructing routes, which monitors the movement of cargo from point A to point B in real time.

 

How does AI propose to solve the environmental problem?

Technologies will help build routes in such a way as to save delivery time. The fewer cars are on the road, the less fuel they will consume and produce carbon dioxide. This will reduce the footprint left in the atmosphere.

Also, with the help of AI, it is possible to solve the problem that transport is not fully loaded. But the big question here is the interaction of logistics companies. Healthy competition is good, but where possible, why not send goods using the same transport? This will both save shipping costs and help the environment.

Another way is to use cars on autopilot and electricity. They will help reduce emissions in big cities. And they don’t require refueling, just charging. In times of traffic jams, this can be beneficial for companies.

Using AI in warehouses will also help the environment. For example, large companies are replacing workers with robots. They do not perform unnecessary actions and do not waste energy.

What are the problems?

All technology implementations require large costs. So far, few are in a hurry to use modern technologies and think about the future.

The implementation of AI requires an understanding that it will bring profit in the future, and not now. But few want to invest in the future. And it's honestly sad.

Success also depends on dialogues between companies. The more cargo goes together on one transport, the lower the costs and harm to the environment.

If we talk about the results, then logistics is moving towards causing less harm to the environment. But it's going slowly. Well, for something to change dramatically, it takes time and patience. The first step has already been taken. All we have to do is wait and not turn away from changes and not turn a blind eye to existing problems.