Scope 3 Survey Gap 💨
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Survey Reveals Gap in Readiness for Reporting Scope 3 Emissions Among Companies
According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult for IBM, 45% of companies believe they will be ready to report on their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2024. However, only 38% of respondents said their businesses are currently measuring their Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions, which encompass a wide range of indirect emissions associated with a company's supply chain, are a critical component of overall carbon footprints, but they rank relatively low among the performance indicators used to measure sustainability. As new regulations targeting supply chain transparency emerge, companies may face increased pressure to disclose their Scope 3 emissions, highlighting the need for better measurement and reporting practices.
The survey also identified challenges in deploying information technology to track Scope 3 emissions and other sustainability issues. Budget constraints and allocation challenges were cited as the top obstacles. This highlights the importance of addressing these challenges to improve the tracking and reduction of Scope 3 emissions, especially as businesses face growing expectations for environmental transparency and accountability.
Check out today’s featured article from Supply Chain Dive to read more about compliance and regulatory issues for companies who are required to report Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Will the number of those participating continue to grow, or begin to dwindle?
Featured Article
Only 38% of businesses are tracking Scope 3 emissions: IBM report | Supply Chain Dive
“Greenhouse gases in supply chains represent the largest source of most industries’ carbon footprint, but many firms are just beginning to account for them.”
Unions & Sustainability
UAW Strike Reflects Broader Climate and Labor Tensions in EV Transition
The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike has expanded to 38 plants across the U.S., drawing attention to the challenges faced by blue-collar workers in the electric vehicle (EV) transition. While the EV industry is growing, concerns exist that it may not provide the same middle-class jobs and benefits as traditional automotive manufacturing.
The strike highlights the need for labor protections, just-transition policies, and fair treatment of workers in the context of climate adaptation and the energy transition, as well as the political implications surrounding these issues.
Politics & Cybersecurity
U.S. Government Shutdown Threatens National Cybersecurity and Software Supply Chain
A potential U.S. federal government shutdown, if Congress fails to pass a budget by the October 1 deadline, could weaken the nation's cybersecurity posture, increasing the risk of cyberattacks across the software supply chain, according to experts.
The shutdown would result in the indefinite furlough of more than 80% of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) workforce, impacting the ability to respond to cyber threats and share indicators of compromise. Threat actors could exploit the situation, and government contractors may also be affected, further elevating cybersecurity concerns.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
🇨🇳🇷🇺 Trade Surge Creates Container Glut in Russia Amid China-Russia Trade Imbalance. Shipping containers from China are accumulating in Russia due to a trade surge, creating a glut of containers in Russia. This situation is a result of a deepening trade imbalance between the two countries, with China exporting more goods to Russia than it imports. Russia's growing trade relationship with China, fueled by increased exports of raw materials and consumer goods, is causing congestion in Russian ports and roads, highlighting the need for infrastructure development in the region.
🇪🇺 EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Has Businesses Anticipating Price Increases and Administrative Challenges. A report by The Conference Board highlights the impact of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on European businesses as its first enforcement phase begins on October 1. The survey revealed that 83% of respondents, primarily senior procurement and sustainability executives, expect prices of carbon-intensive products to rise due to CBAM, with 75% anticipating it will influence their future purchasing decisions. The report also points out administrative challenges, including a lack of qualified verifiers in some EU countries and uneven customs capacity, which could pose difficulties for CBAM implementation, potentially affecting the European economy.
🇺🇦🇺🇸 US Military Equipment for Ukraine Shipped via Atlantic With Support From ARC. U.S. military equipment bound for Ukraine and NATO exercises is transported across the Atlantic Ocean by the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC). The company has moved approximately 32,000 pieces of equipment, equivalent to 5 million square feet, between Europe and the U.S. between August 2022 and July 2023. ARC specializes in handling heavy military equipment, such as tanks and missile systems, and is part of a broader logistics operation that includes air, land, and sea transportation modes.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
⛽️ Gas Prices are Driving Up Overall Prices, but Core Inflation Remains Moderate. In August, a key inflation measure closely monitored by the Federal Reserve increased primarily due to higher gas prices, pushing overall prices up by 0.4% from the previous month. However, when excluding volatile food and energy costs, core inflation rose at the slowest rate in nearly three years, indicating that underlying inflationary pressures are still relatively moderate. This could influence the Fed's decision on whether to change interest rates at its upcoming meeting, with the hope that inflation may eventually return to the target without causing a recession. Nevertheless, factors such as rising gas prices and potential government shutdowns could impact the economic outlook.
📱 Apple's Environmental Commitment Faces Supply Chain Climate Risk. Apple, known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, faces a significant challenge as its vast supply chain, spanning over 400 facilities across nearly 30 countries, overlaps with regions most vulnerable to climate change. Climate-related risks, such as extreme weather events and power cuts, pose threats to the manufacturing operations of Apple's suppliers in areas like Asia, where urbanization and energy demand are on the rise. While Apple has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint, it must navigate the complex task of adapting its supply chain to the changing climate, particularly in regions with high emissions and potential carbon-related trade barriers.
✈️ Boeing CEO Optimistic About Strong Travel Demand and Robust Order Books. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun expressed optimism about the resilience of travel demand, stating that it has exceeded his expectations, with strong demand for passenger traffic, tourism, and business travel rebounding after the pandemic. He noted that order books and demand for proposals to meet this demand are robust. Calhoun also discussed the supply chain challenges facing the aviation industry and expressed confidence in Boeing's future growth, particularly in China, despite competition from domestic manufacturers like Comac.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
👷🏻 OSHA's Commitment to Safety Includes Enhancing Worker Well-Being in Supply Chains. While increased government scrutiny can be met with apprehension, it's important to recognize that initiatives like the U.S. Labor Department's three-year "national emphasis program" by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are aimed at benefiting companies by enhancing worker safety. OSHA has a track record of effectiveness since its establishment in 1970, with a significant reduction in workplace fatalities and worker injuries over the years. In supply chain-related professions, which can be hazardous, safety regulations and increased oversight contribute to ensuring that employees return home safely, emphasizing the vital role safety programs play in creating injury-free workplaces.
👩🏾🦱 Rising Role of Women in Trucking Sheds a Spotlight on Equipment Technicians. The 2023 Women in Trucking Index reveals that women are making notable progress in the trucking industry, particularly as equipment technicians. The data shows that over 7% of technicians working for corporations with for-hire or private fleets are women, a significant increase from less than 4% in the previous year. This trend aligns with the growing presence of women in various roles within the industry, including professional drivers, dispatchers, executives, supervisory positions, and board memberships. National Technician Appreciation Week is currently underway, recognizing and celebrating the crucial contributions of technicians in the trucking sector.
❄️ Thermo King Launches Advancer S-DRC Slimline Rail Unit for Green Cold Chain Transportation. Thermo King has introduced the Advancer S-DRC slimline rail unit for cargo rail and intermodal applications, which complies with the California Air Resources Board Ultra-Low Emission Transport Refrigeration Unit (ULETRU) emissions standards, making it suitable for all 50 U.S. states. The new unit, powered by the company's S-Series engine, replaces the SLXi-DRC and offers improved fuel efficiency, precise temperature management, a slim profile for efficient cross-docking operations, integrated solar panels, shore power capabilities, and telematics for data monitoring and analysis. Thermo King aims to support sustainability goals and reduce carbon emissions in the cold chain transportation industry with this addition to its portfolio.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 22, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.