When I think about the climate change scenarios for periods such as 2030-2050 or 2070-2090, they seem so far off that I hardly imagine I’ll even be around then. In this sense, “global warming” as a daily reality doesn’t feel like it affects me very much at all. Nevertheless, this reality does not seem so distant when discussing investments in infrastructure and even less so when discussing port equipment, such as that needed in coastal regions which are much more susceptible and exposed to the effects of rising sea levels, higher temperatures, more frequent rain events and more intense natural disasters.
One of the primary aggravating factors of climate change is the growing number of sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, of which Latin America and the Caribbean contribute 12% globally. The total GHG emissions from a port complex, city or hydroelectric plant, for example, is what is known as its carbon footprint.
IDB has made clear commitments to quantify and reduce GHG emissions associated with the projects it finances in the Region. It recognizes that public and private sectors can play an important role in reducing these emissions by taking early actions and implementing short and medium-term mitigation measures that would have almost immediate effects, and that requires calculating and understanding these emissions. To that end, the IDB grant-financed “Strengthening Port Infrastructure Sustainability in Manzanillo, Mexico” included the design and implementation of a carbon footprint calculator component.
1. Why Manzanillo, Mexico? Manzanillo is the main Mexican port on the Pacific coast, handling 47% of the total container cargo in Mexico. Moreover, it is a key hub for regional traffic between Asia and Latin America, and maintains commercial relations with 14 different countries, therefore occupying a strategic place in Mexican trade. Manzanillo also handles goods to and from 17 Mexican states and its location on the Pacific coast exposes it to more recurrent and intense climate events.
2. Why is it important for a port to measure its carbon footprint? In the particular case of the Port of Manzanillo, calculating the carbon footprint has made it possible to process information in order to develop the tools needed by the Port Authority of Manzanillo (APIMAN) and each of the fourteen port terminals to monitor those operational activities that are the sources of emissions: container loading, anchorage, transport of merchandise to customs by railroad or trucks, among others. Identifying areas of improvement is crucial in order to develop strategies that optimize efficiency and provide both financial benefits to the business as well as environmental and social benefits to the entire port community.
3. Why is the IDB interested in measuring a port’s carbon footprint? The IDB has a commitment to climate change with its Integrated Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Sustainable and Renewable Energy, through which it supports Latin American and Caribbean countries in their efforts to assess and analyze their GHG emissions so that they can then implement proper mitigation measures. Moreover, this action is aligned with the objectives of the IDB’s Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy, in which Directive B11 states that the Bank shall encourage “the reduction and control of greenhouse gas emissions in a manner appropriate to the nature and scale of operations.” Calculating the port’s carbon footprint has also helped achieve more accurate accounting for the project, which is included in the section on the GHG Impact of IDB loans, reported in the Annual Sustainability Report.
Leave a Reply