Energy Transitions require compromise, but at what cost?



Good morning! It's International Customs Day! A real supply chain-tomy to celebrate the clearance process.

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As the United States and many other countries begin to transition to cleaner energy forms, several challenges have arisen. Transitioning to cleaner forms of energy such as solar and wind power can be costly, and finding ways to make these options more affordable is a significant challenge. Incorporating more renewable energy sources into the power grid can be difficult, as it requires updating and upgrading infrastructure to handle the variable nature of these sources. And storing excess energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, is a challenge that must be addressed in order for the transition to be successful.

Check out today’s featured article from Project Syndicate to read one’s detailed opinion on why the energy transition requires an in-depth analysis of the economic consequences, by both the public and our policymakers. ☕️


Featured Article:

The Energy Transition Confronts Reality | Project Syndicate

“Given the scale and complexity of the transition away from hydrocarbons, some worry that economic analysis has been given short shrift in the policy planning process.”


Sustainability & Deliveries ♻️

Consumers are willing to wait for sustainably delivered goods, according to survey

Consumers may be willing to delay e-commerce delivery in favor of sustainability for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Environmental concerns: Many consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of e-commerce, such as increased carbon emissions from transportation and packaging waste. Delaying delivery can help to reduce these impacts.

  • Support for sustainable practices: Consumers may want to support companies that have sustainable practices in place, such as using eco-friendly packaging materials, or implementing more efficient logistics to reduce carbon emissions.

  • Longer-term benefits: Consumers may see the delay as a small sacrifice in the short term in order to support more sustainable practices and benefit the environment in the long term.

  • Quality over Quantity: Consumers may be more willing to prioritize the quality of their purchase over the speed of delivery. This way, they are more likely to keep their purchase for a longer period, which reduces the need for more frequent purchases and the waste that comes with it.

  • Brand loyalty: Consumers may be more likely to stick with a brand that prioritizes sustainability, and may be willing to accept longer delivery times in order to continue supporting it.

Overall, consumers may be willing to delay e-commerce delivery in favor of sustainability because they believe it is the right thing to do, and they see it as a way to support companies that are working to reduce their environmental impact.

Read more from Logistics Viewpoints ▶


Shortages & Regulations ⚖️

Abbott Laboratories under DOJ investigation for 2022 baby formula shortage

The Department of Justice has let Abbot Laboratories know that the company is under investigation after a national formula shortage that had parents wringing their hands in concern in 2022. The Abbott infant formula plant is related to a national baby formula shortage because it is one of the major manufacturers of infant formula in the United States. In case of a disruption in production at the Abbott plant, it can lead to a shortage of infant formula across the country, as there are not many other manufacturers of infant formula on the same scale.

Several things may have caused the disruption, including:

  • Production shutdowns are caused by safety concerns, equipment breakdowns, or other issues.

  • Reduced production capacity due to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Shipping delays are caused by supply chain disruptions or other issues.

Read more from Supply Chain Dive ▶


Let’s Get Global 🌎

A black 8 ball with something that reads "Outlook Not So Good"

Season 3 Episode 23 GIF By The Simpsons via GIPHY

😎 Maybe the global economic situation isn’t as bad as we thought. Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the likelihood that inflation is beginning to lean in the right direction. The IMF is an organization that plays a central role in monitoring and analyzing the global economy and is responsible for providing policy advice and financial assistance to its member countries. The IMF has a large team of economists and other experts who conduct research and analysis on economic trends and developments around the world.

🛵 Bolt scooters are making waves in Europe. European markets estimate over 20 million kilometers of car journeys are avoided with Bolt scooters. Bolt scooters are typically dockless, meaning they do not have to be returned to a specific location after use and can be unlocked and rented through a smartphone app. They are designed for short-distance, last-mile transportation and can be used for commuting, running errands, or leisure. The scooters typically have a maximum speed of around 15 miles per hour and are powered by a rechargeable electric battery.

🇫🇷 French lithium-ion batteries storage warehouse suffers massive fire damage. The Bolloré warehouse fire has sparked new concerns regarding the safety issues surrounding the storage of lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire hazard if they are damaged or overheated. If the internal components of the battery are damaged, they can short-circuit, causing the battery to overheat and potentially catch fire. In rare cases, lithium-ion batteries can explode if they overheat or are damaged. This can occur if the battery is punctured or if the internal components are damaged, causing pressure to build up inside the battery.


iLevel With You 🏡

More topics for the average American household to consider…

🗣️ Watch what you tweet, Musk! Elon Musk, while being the current owner and CEO of Twitter, is facing scrutiny in federal court over a tweet he made on Aug. 7, 2018. A class action lawsuit filed in San Francisco, CA alleges that Musk alluded to a potential buyout that damaged the integrity of Tesla shareholders. A class action lawsuit is a legal action taken by a group of people who have been harmed in a similar way by a company or individual. These lawsuits can be filed over a wide range of issues, including fraud, false advertising, and breach of contract.

🥚 Federal Trade Commission could soon be investigating eggs. The price tag on one of the most popular breakfast proteins has more than doubled over the past year, resulting in some members of Congress taking action. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed has requested that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) begin investigating the prices and whether they are being purposely manipulated with price gouging. Price gouging is the practice of charging excessively high prices for goods or services, particularly during a time of crisis or emergency.

🎉 Louisiana has more to offer than good food and Mardi Gras! The Louisiana International Terminal is a proposed partnership between the state of Louisiana and the port of New Orleans. Looking to become the freshest container gateway to the US market, could be welcoming berths as soon as 2028. Louisiana is currently home to several strategically placed ports with access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River.


Get Smart 🧠

Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…

📝 Bipartisan SHIP IT Act wins the support of shipping groups. Introduced by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-CA), the “Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act” has the support of the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) and the National Milk Producers Federation. Congress may be interested in an overhaul of the interstate trucking supply chain system for a variety of reasons, including efficiency, safety, and the environmental impact of highway systems.

💰 Financing your supply chain may elevate some risk. Supply chain financing (SCF) may lessen supply chain risk by providing a way for companies to manage their cash flow and mitigate the risks associated with long payment terms. SCF allows suppliers to receive payment for their goods or services sooner than they would with traditional payment terms. This can help suppliers to manage their cash flow more effectively and avoid financial difficulties that could disrupt the supply chain. By providing suppliers with earlier payment, SCF can reduce the risk of default or bankruptcy, which could disrupt the supply chain.


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