Following the era of globalization, international trade between nations has undergone a significant expansion. Countries have adopted the principles of absolute advantage and competitive advantage theories to effectively utilize their resources. The advancement of logistics technology, coupled with enhanced accessibility, has led to a gradual rise in the volume of international trade. While the initial wave of globalization occurred in the early 19th century, true globalization took root after the Second World War, around the mid-19th century. This period marked a pivotal shift in countries’ focus towards developing their international trade, recognizing its substantial contribution to the GDP. Consequently, many nations concentrated on bolstering their logistics infrastructure to facilitate trade growth. It’s important to note that during this phase, the primary emphasis was on trade development itself, with limited attention given to ensuring its sustainability. This lack of sustainable considerations inadvertently contributed to global warming.
In 1992, the world witnessed a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns related to globalization. The first convention on climate change, known as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was adopted and introduced at the UN Conference on Environment and Development, also referred to as the Earth Summit. This pivotal moment marked the international community’s acknowledgment of the global warming issue. Governments worldwide came to realize the imperative of adopting an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to development in order to foster economic growth while safeguarding the planet.
The primary cause of global warming stems from the escalating concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs), predominantly stemming from human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agricultural practices. Transportation directly contributes to approximately 30 percent of national GHGs, with even higher figures observed in certain regions. Notably, India, positioned as the world’s third-largest emitter of GHGs, follows China and the US in this regard. To counteract these alarming trends, nations united to devise diverse strategies, and one prominent approach that emerged was the concept of green logistics.
The fundamental objective of sustainable green logistics is to implement optimal distribution strategies, reduce energy consumption, minimize waste generation, and effectively manage waste disposal. By adopting these practices, nations strive to mitigate the environmental impact of their trade-related activities, contributing to a more ecologically balanced and economically prosperous future.