Spearheading Efficiency and Sustainability in Global Supply Chains

The logistics sector is projected to grow from US$8.9 trillion to US$18.2 trillion by 2030, yet it currently accounts for 10 percent of global emissions. RMI proposes that G20 nations, which represent 80 percent of global CO2 emissions, lead the transition to sustainable logistics by implementing eco-driving and efficient packaging, establishing multi-level government regulatory frameworks, developing zero-emissions trucking corridors, and utilizing public-private partnerships and multilateral development organization financing to manage high capital risks.

• The global logistics sector is a significant driver of economic growth but also a major source of pollution, contributing 10 percent of global emissions and over a tenth of global GDP. Its market value is expected to increase from US$8.9 trillion to US$18.2 trillion by the end of the decade.
• Sustainable logistics operations can be achieved by minimizing vehicular movement, using eco-driving programs, adopting efficient packaging and vehicle selection, and improving warehouse efficiency through technology to reduce inventory loss.
• Advancing sustainable logistics requires a multi-tiered policy approach: national governments set overarching guidelines and standards; state governments provide incentives; and municipal authorities manage local land use and infrastructure.
• Infrastructure improvements should include the creation of logistics parks to centralize distribution, the construction of bypasses to move commercial traffic away from urban centers, and the establishment of zero-emissions trucking corridors with charging infrastructure.
• To overcome high capital requirements and risks, the document recommends public-private partnerships and the use of multilateral development organizations to provide developing nations with below-market interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

APA

RMI (2024). Spearheading Efficiency and Sustainability in Global Supply Chains. https://rmi.org/resources/spearheading-efficiency-and-sustainability-in-global-supply-chains/

Chicago

RMI. Spearheading Efficiency and Sustainability in Global Supply Chains. 2024. https://rmi.org/resources/spearheading-efficiency-and-sustainability-in-global-supply-chains/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=Spearheading Efficiency and Sustainability in Global Supply Chains |date=18 January 2024 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/spearheading-efficiency-and-sustainability-in-global-supply-chains/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2024spearheading, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{Spearheading Efficiency and Sustainability in Global Supply Chains}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2024}, month = jan, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/spearheading-efficiency-and-sustainability-in-global-supply-chains/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }