Logistics is often thought of as merely the process of moving things from one place to another. The appearance of the word on the sides of lorries certainly gives this impression. In practice, logistics is a complex mix of freight transport, storage, handling, inventory management and all the IT required to coordinate these activities. It is a function that is often taken for granted, but without which, the global economy would grind to a halt. The logistics industry is a significant source of greenhouse gases. But it will also play a crucial part in successfully decarbonising the global economy and adapting society to the impacts of a changing climate – all while being uniquely vulnerable to these impacts itself. For example, assessments of future transport needs typically exclude the logistical demands of creating the infrastructure for renewables, adaptation and carbon dioxide removal. Yet none of these is achievable without logistics to coordinate the related flows of materials, equipment and sequestered carbon. Yet, despite its importance, logistics is often overlooked in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, national climate plans and academic research agendas. In a new paper, published in the International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications , I explore the pivotal – and underappreciated – role that logistics plays in a changing climate. Logistics and climate change Logistics accounts for around 11-12% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, along with substantial emissions of black carbon (soot), methane and refrigerant gas emissions, which have a much higher global warming potential than CO2. As the planet warms and economies develop, demand for refrigeration is rapidly growing, particularly in logistics operations handling perishable products. The “ global cold chain logistics market ” is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 14% over the next nine years. Stranded lorry driven […]