Reducing the Environmental Impacts of the Freight Transport Industry - Assignment Example

REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FREIGHT TRANSPORT] (Name) (Instructor/Tutor) (Course/Subject) (Institution/ University) (City, State) (Date) Contents Contents 2 Introduction 4 Positive Impacts of Freight Transport 6 Connectivity 6 Increased Productivity in Business 6 Creation of Employment 7 Negative Impacts of Freight Transport 7 Climate Change 7 Air Pollution 11 Noise Pollution 14 Environmental noise results from road, air and rail transport. It should also be noted that vibrations from heavy trains and aircrafts are also annoying. In England, the cost of noise pollution is estimated to be between seven billion pounds and ten billion pounds every year (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, 2013). Automobiles and aircrafts are some of the sources. It is evident that noise levels are acute near railway junctions, airports, bus terminuses and traffic roundabouts. Sound turns into noise when it is loud. For instance, when aircrafts take off or land, they produce an extremely high sound, though it is not continuous. Buildings situated near railways are usually exposed to greater health hazards related to noise than those that are not (Anindita, 2009, Pg 142). 14 Figure 3: The Effects of Noise Pollution 17 Effects of Noise Pollution 17 17 Permanent Hearing Loss 17 Table 2: The Health Hazards of Various Noise Intensities 17 Water Pollution 18 Depletion of Non Renewable Resources 19 Transport vessels consume large amounts of fuel. For instance, heavy tankers, diesel and petroleum fuelled trains, aeroplanes and trucks consume enormous amounts of fuel. The demand for oil is almost exceeding the supply and this has led to the exploitation of oil mines leading to depletion of that resource. Given that the current transportation system depends on non-renewable fuels, and that the rate of consumption of non-renewable fuels is projected to grow as domestic and international freight transport grows as well, non-renewable fuels might be exhausted (TransportationResearchBoard, 2004). 19 Land Use 19 Reducing the Negative Impacts of Freight Transport 22 Reducing Air Pollution 23 Reducing Noise Pollution 23 Reducing Water Pollution 24 Reducing the Negative Impacts on Land Use 24 Reducing the Effects on Climate Change 25 Reduction of the Depletion of Non-Renewable Resources 25 Conclusion 26 On the other hand, freight transport is associated with several, negative, environmental impacts. This has subjected the world at risk of perishing. For instance, air pollution has led to global warming, which in turn, alters climatic patterns. Emissions lead to water pollution. Additionally, the consumption of coal poses a danger of exhaustion of non-renewable resources while noise produced by some of the transport vessels is a major irritant. Transport infrastructure tempers with land use plans. Therefore, governments and environmental conserving organisations should find ways of reducing the negative impacts of freight transport to maintain a status quo. Some of the strategies of reducing these impacts include setting strict emission standards and pushing for the use of advanced technology. Energy consumption standards should also be set. People should try to guard themselves from these effects such as using insulators and sound proofs. As for water pollution, there should be strict rules banning discharge of oil substances onto the water. 26 References 28 Introduction Remarkable growth has been witnessed in the transport sector. Road transport, passenger and freight, as well as aviation have shown the highest rates of growth. Since the invention of fast modes of transport such as air transport and others, many people, across the world have benefitted from positive impacts. Some of the positive impacts include connectivity, increase in productivity in business, cultural exchange, recreation and leisure and social contact. Currently, there is no other mode of transport that provides fast transfer of people and luggage across the globe and access throughout the world. Therefore, air transport is a significant factor leading to globalisation because it enhances mobility. The effects of air transport would be political, social, economic and cultural. On the other hand, air transport is associated with destructive issues which tend to threaten communities’ integrity and environmental well being. Such negative impacts include pollution, noise and congestion (Daley, 2010). Image 1: Air Transport Source: (All Posters, 2013) The effects that transport poses on health especially those related to air pollution have topped the concerns about transport (Krzyzanowski & Kuna-Dibbert, 2005). There has been an increase in the number of adverse effects pertaining to outdoor air pollution on human health. Emissions of gases from freight transport place human health at risk. Both primary emissions and secondary pollutants produced by means of transport affect people adversely. It is worthy noting that road transport is a significant contributor of air pollution in major cities. This is due to the fact that many trips across cities cover less than six kilometres leading to a high rate of emission per distance driven. Air pollution is also intensified by poorly maintained vehicles which in most cases lack exhaust-after treatment systems. Emissions from tail pipes of primary particles from road transport leads to air pollution in form of suspended particulate matter and other air pollutants. Road transport also leads to the re-suspension of road dust, wear of brake linings and tyres, which contribute to air pollution. Particulates subject lung tissues to the risk of worsening cardiovascular and respiratory problems. The beauty of various structures may be destroyed my particulate matter depositions. Plants also suffer the negative impacts of particulate matter because when such particulates accumulate on the atmosphere and plant leaves, they lessen photosynthesis and plant growth (Rodrigue, 2013). When the overall cost of freight transport is taken into consideration, it can be noted that urban areas in England, for instance, suffer in various ways from the negative impacts of freight transport (Table 1). This analysis looks at the positive impacts of freight transport, as well as, the negative impacts of freight transport. The analysis then provides possible ways of reducing the negative environmental impacts of the freight transport industry. Table 1: Associated Costs of Impacts of Freight Transport Impacts Impact Excess Delays Accidents Poor Air Quality Physical Inactivity Greenhouse Gas Emissions Noise Associated Cost in Pounds 11 8 4 10 2.5 3 Positive Impacts of Freight Transport Connectivity Modern and improved modes of transport connect regions within the globe. Through transport, goods, services and people are able to move from one point to another within a very short period of time. For instance, air transport network is considered a significant capital asset that enhances productivity and economic growth (Blanke & Chiesa, 2007, Pg 27). Transport facilitates the movement of tourists from their country to the host country. While at the host country, tourists are engaged in many activities that contribute significantly to the growth of the economy. Transport also offers a major boost to the business sector because it enhances the movement of services and goods from their point of manufacture to the point of sale. Connectivity increases the range of destinations and frequency of service transfers. Increased Productivity in Business Freight transport enhances business productivity through the promotion of local technologies and labour whose cost is low. Separately, retailers depend on freight transport to have the goods that they purchase from wholesalers delivered to them (Barter Trends, 2009). Wholesalers also rely on transport for the delivery of goods from manufacturers. Manufacturers cannot ignore the significance of transport in availing raw materials from the source to their premises. Therefore once every business sector player is assured of reliable freight transport, productivity increases because each of these players concentrates on production and performing his duties. Transport is also a key player in the transfer of expertise and services from one pint to a region where they are required. Transport ensures that raw material procurement and finished goods delivery is done on time (Jacob, 2011). Creation of Employment Transport creates new networks that are responsible for enabling new interactions and improving existing interactions between different economic entities (Notteboom & Rodrigue, 2013). Since transport ensures a steady and reliable supply of services and goods, most business entities remain operational. This guarantees employees of these business entities their job continuity. Freight transport employs numerous people including captains, air hostesses, drivers and turn boys. Apart from those who get direct employment in the transport sector, there are those who are indirectly employed such as traffic police who are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that there is a smooth flow in road transport. Negative Impacts of Freight Transport Climate Change Climate change results from chemical changes in the atmosphere which influences ozone concentrations. Gases such as sulphur dioxide lead to acidification, affecting climatic patterns. It increases the amounts of sulphur aerosols in the atmosphere. Presence of these air pollutants in the atmosphere determines the Ultra Violet radiation that reaches the surface of the earth (Bytnerowicz, Paoletti, & Shang, 2013). Climate varies with latitude because the sun warms the equator more than the poles. Therefore, sea surface temperatures vary at different latitudes as shown by the image. Scientists have noticed tremendous changes in climate since the earth is warming at a higher rate than it did initially. Global warming has led to an increase in temperatures of various places. The chemical composition of the atmosphere and the amount of sun radiation that reaches the earth surface affect the world’s climate (National Earth Science Teachers Association, 2012). Image 2: World Temperatures Source: (National Earth Science Teachers Association, 2012). Volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone, a photochemical smog gas that contributes to global warming. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming leading to climate change. Sulphur dioxide is responsible for the formation of sulphuric acid when it combines with rain water to form what is referred to acid rain. Particulate matter may subject the climate to cooling or warming effects. Further, it plays a significant part in impacting ecosystem air pollution. Ground level ozone is responsible for serious damages on vegetation. Actually, ozone being a powerful greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to global warming directly and by reducing the level of uptake of carbon by vegetation. Pollutants emitted by the vessels of freight transport contribute to the destruction of habitats through damage of plants and animals which contribute the equilibrium and well being of given ecosystems. This may be as a result of the formation of acid rain which damages terrestrial ecosystems. Image 3: Summer Smog Source: (FT, 2012) Greenhouse gases have been found to be most active at higher levels of the atmosphere. On the other hand, concentration of pollutants on the atmosphere near the surface of the earth lowers air quality. This leads to alterations of the normal climate. Road transport and the generation of electricity are the chief sources of climate and air quality pollutants. Shipping also produces nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. The severity and frequency of summer smog are accelerated by changes in climate whereby temperatures increase. Diesel engines of freight transport vessels generate black carbon. Black carbon contributes to climate change by absorbing heat and depositing it on ice and snow. This speeds up the melting of glaciers and alters the patterns of weather. It also causes global warming. Smog alters visibility, and at times causes irritations and odours (Image 3). It also leads to the formation of acid rains. Air pollution may worsen floods and droughts in different areas because it affects cloud development patterns (Haluzan, 2011). Soot and dust are some of the air pollutants that affect weather and climate by either reducing rainfall in dry regions or increasing rainfall and snowfall and storms in wet regions. This leads to further destruction of vegetation which is a major determinant and regulator of climate. When vegetation is destroyed, then climate deteriorates. Image 4: Road Transport-Traffic Congestion Source: (Google Images, 2013) Image 5: Shipping Source: (Google Images, 2013) Air Pollution Air emissions from transport have a direct relationship to consumption of fossil fuels. Gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide lead to the pollution of air. Other pollutants related to freight transport are particulate matter lead and other volatile organic compounds. Road traffic and congestion concentrates degrade, mostly the urban environment. This pollution results from fine particles and nitrogen oxides that the diesel vehicles emit. Transport is the principal emitter of carbon monoxide whereby it emits seventy two percent, nitrogen oxides, with sixty four percent, lead, with fifty six percent and volatile organic compounds, about thirty percent (figure 1). Transport also emits thirteen percent of black smoke and ten percent of sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere. Motor vehicles are the largest contributor of emission to the atmosphere leading to air pollution. Freight transport has led to increased fossil fuels consumption and emission of air pollutants or greenhouse gases (Janić, 2007). Long term exposure to air pollution may result into premature deaths which might be caused by lung diseases, heart diseases and asthma. This will lead to a rise in hospital admissions, which in turn lowers the quality of life and increases costs (Defra Publications, 2010). Figure 1: Percentage Quantity of Pollutants Produced Air transport also contributes in a small but a rapidly growing way to environmental degradation. This includes emission of carbon dioxide which leads to air pollution and climate change. Air pollution that is related to transport increases the risk of death to human beings. This may result from cardiopulmonary causes. Air pollution also leads to respiratory diseases. Air pollution increases the possibility of people developing allergies. People who are exposed to air pollutants are also at high risk to develop cardiovascular problems. Long term exposure to air pollution leads to increased cases of lung cancer on human beings. This is possible when people inhale toxic gases. Pregnant women may also be at risk of being affected adversely, for instance low birth weights and premature births. Various gaseous substances produced by freight transport that generally cause air pollution are poisonous and pose risks to healthy among human beings. For instance, carbon monoxide is produced when there is incomplete burning of fossil fuels by freight transport vessels. Such fuels include mainly petrol. The healthy risks associated with carbon monoxide effects on the central nervous system and the respiratory systems in human beings (Thalmann, 2004). The human cardiovascular system is also affected by prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, leading to a reduction in the capacity of blood and amount of oxygen that such systems deliver to body tissues. The result of this is suffocation, which in most cases leads to deaths or adverse effects on one’s health. Nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are produced as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels. In the process, the fossil fuels react with oxygen that is available in the air. The process also leads to the oxidation of some nitrogen atoms, leading to the formation more nitrogen oxides. When human beings inhale these oxides of nitrogen, the oxides penetrate deeply into the airways reaching other organs of the body via the blood system. Consequently, exposed people suffer from respiratory complications. This affects especially people with asthma. It also increases the probability of catching other infections and allergies (Thalmann, 2004, Pg 72). The damage of nitrogen oxides does not only affect human beings but also damages plants through the acidification of the soil and buildings via acid aerosols. It should also be noted that nitrogen oxides react with volatile organic compounds leading to the formation of ozone. Ozone is known to be the main photochemical smog component and a greenhouse gas that has a significant contribution to global warming. Particulate matter, which includes black smoke that originates from heavy freight transport vessels, is more harmful when combined with toxic gases such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur than the harm of chemicals alone. It causes asthma and subjects people suffering from pneumonia, heart diseases and chronic lung diseases. Volatile organic compounds are irritants, and sometimes they affect the occurrence of biological materials such as pollen grains. Sulphur dioxide is formed by the oxidation of sulphurous fuels which pollutes the atmosphere. Noise Pollution Environmental noise results from road, air and rail transport. It should also be noted that vibrations from heavy trains and aircrafts are also annoying. In England, the cost of noise pollution is estimated to be between seven billion pounds and ten billion pounds every year (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, 2013). Automobiles and aircrafts are some of the sources. It is evident that noise levels are acute near railway junctions, airports, bus terminuses and traffic roundabouts. Sound turns into noise when it is loud. For instance, when aircrafts take off or land, they produce an extremely high sound, though it is not continuous. Buildings situated near railways are usually exposed to greater health hazards related to noise than those that are not (Anindita, 2009, Pg 142). Most people find it unpleasant when a jet takes off as can be seen in image 6. Noise is normally measured in decibels (dB). Therefore, when people say that sound is forty decibels, the sound is forty decibels more than the smallest noise that is distinguishable. Whispering produces a noise that lies between twenty to thirty decibels while normal conversation produces sixty to sixty five decibels of noise (Figure 2). Heavy traffic in the streets produces sixty to eighty decibels of noise (IES Made Easy, 2008). People can tolerate up to eighty five decibels of noise without having impairment on the ears. Air transportation contributes one fifth of the total noise that transportation emits (Rodrigue, 2013). Jet engines are the key source of noise emissions. Aerodynamic friction and ground craft operations cause acute noise in most of the urban areas. It should be noted that the value of property around the airport is significantly influenced by noise from aircraft operation. The areas that are severe affected are those along approach and take off lines. On the other hand, railway transport contributes only one tent of the noise emissions of transport (Rodrigue, 2013). The origins of this noise include the engine of the train and the friction of the wheels over the railway and also whistle blowing or loud horns. Rail transport and rail operations impact urban areas where the majority of transhipment activities take place. Noise affects central and high density areas of cities where rail terminals are located. Image 6: Jet Taking Off Source: (Google Images, 2013) Figure 2: Various Sound Levels Noise pollution can lead to auditory fatigue, deafness, annoyance and interferes with sleep. Noise has an adverse effect on life quality since it poses cardiovascular impacts on human beings. The percentage of motor lorry traffic compared to all road vehicles is roughly less than ten percent but the damage it causes in terms of noise pollution is far much more than that percentage especially in towns. People who live near roads are influenced greatly by the effects of noise from freight trucks which endanger their health (National Research Council, 1996, Pg 34). Noise affects hearing primarily, but later it affects human health in other ways (Figure 3). Fatigue, inefficiency and vomiting are some of the negative impacts of noise as shown in table 2. The prolonged exposure effects include high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm. Individuals with normal hearing, whose ears have never been exposed to noise for a prolonged period demonstrate greater response to noise pollution than those whose ears have been exposed for longer periods of time to noise. Continuous noise pollution leads to gradual decline in the hearing ability, and consequently deafness (Agarwal, 2005, Pg 54). The destructive nature of noise pollution negatively impacts children because when they are exposed to excessive noise, they exhibit behavioural disorders and develop a disparaging nature and neurotic traits in their later lives. Noise pollution causes malformation in the nervous system of the foetus. It also increases secretion of hormones and alters blood circulation. Figure 3: The Effects of Noise Pollution Table 2: The Health Hazards of Various Noise Intensities Noise Intensity in dB Health Hazards 194 Lung Damage 180 Rapture of Ear Drum causing Major Permanent Damages 160 Minor Permanent Damage 150 Considerable Change in Pulse Rate, Burning of Skin 140 Ear Pain, Insanity if Exposure is Prolonged 130-135 Vomiting, Dizziness, Interference with Touch 120 Pain Threshold 110 Stimulation of Reception in Skin 95 Very Annoying 80 Annoying Water Pollution The movement of crude petroleum in oil tankers across the sea poses a risk to the environment. The release of methane into the atmosphere during the loading and offloading of petroleum causes air pollution. Given that methane is a greenhouse gas that has an extremely significant role in warming the atmosphere. When the atmosphere is warmed, climatic patterns change significantly. Most oil tankers that are used for water transport use oil as ballast. These tankers fill ballast tanks with petroleum instead of water so as to accumulate more oil which they deliver more oil to petroleum refineries. At delivery of petroleum and the tanks are emptied, the ballast tanks are refilled with ocean water to enable the tanker sit lower in the water during storms. Therefore, as the tankers approach their destination, they pump the ballast and any residual oil in them into the oceans. This causes water pollution. A greater percentage of marine oil pollution results from operations of loading and offloading where oil is directly discharged to the water (Roberts & Johnstone, 2003). Combustion leakages and accidents incurred by transport vessels also contribute to water pollution. Separately, when oil spills from vessels into the ocean, there can be an environmental disaster. The severity of the damage caused by this spilled oil is dependent on the amount of oil spilled, the distance from the shore where oil is spilled, the weight of that crude oil and its tendency to evaporate. Also, the temperature of the area of spill and the wildlife in that area also determine the amount of damage that it may cause (Leinbach & Capineri, 2007). Oil poses great risks by subjecting aquatic life to dangers of perishing. Most tankers require cleaning after offloading their cargo at the delivery centres. They normally wait till they reach international waters where they do cleaning because there are restrictions at port centres and coastal areas. Almost one tenth of the total cargo carried by the tankers is discharged onto the water during wash outs (Rodrigue, 2013). Depletion of Non Renewable Resources Energy consumption and emissions of various modes of transport depends on various modes of transport. For instance, road transport energy consumption and emissions depend on factors such as the size and weight of the vehicles, transmission and vehicle configuration such as trailer. Other factors include the weight of the load, road characteristics and driving patterns (Brebbia & Longhurst, 2010, Pg 216). Rail transport emissions and energy consumption is influenced by route characteristics, gross weight of the train and traction type. Ship transport energy consumption and emissions is influenced by ship functions such as general cargo or container. Transport vessels consume large amounts of fuel. For instance, heavy tankers, diesel and petroleum fuelled trains, aeroplanes and trucks consume enormous amounts of fuel. The demand for oil is almost exceeding the supply and this has led to the exploitation of oil mines leading to depletion of that resource. Given that the current transportation system depends on non-renewable fuels, and that the rate of consumption of non-renewable fuels is projected to grow as domestic and international freight transport grows as well, non-renewable fuels might be exhausted (TransportationResearchBoard, 2004). Land Use Change in land use originates from displaced agricultural production. Freight transport has an effect on the area served by it by affecting the way the new system has to be used and influencing the income that such places gain. Freight transport also affects activity paatterns and the structure and economy of the places concerned. For instnace when a high speed railway is constructed, it affects the design and development activities of a place. This is aimed at matching to the opportunities that the high speed line creates. Eventually, development of transport lines influences the attractiveness of the locations near such a region (Mussone & Crisalli, 2011). This improves the accessibility of such areas and raises the status of the location. Therefore, the value of nearby properties rises. Households and firms might be forced to move and build near these transport lines so that they can benefit from these services and accessibility. Land use strategies change in the light of freight transport demand to aid in accessibility and decrease the negative external and environmental impacts of transportation (Bidgoli, 2010). Freight transport influences land use factors to fulfil freight activity in urban areas. In turn, industrial and commercial land use patterns affect the quantities and types of goods manufactured, consumed and this determines the total quantity of freight transport handled (Allen & Julian, 2012). The pattern of land use also determines the distance that goods have to be ferried by various modes of transport proportionately. For instance, the construction of structures such as warehouses near transport lines replaces the growth of crops or other forms of farming. This in turn reduces the amount of food that is produced. Alternatively, construction of such structures may lead to aridity by eliminating vegetation which is a significant climate regulator. Freight transport affects the use of land in areas where infrastructure is constructed. For instance large pieces of land have been used to construct airports, seaports, roads, warehouses, railways and distribution centres. For instance, large tracts of land are used in the construction of railway lines and stations (Image 7). These pieces of land would have been used for other purposes such as the construction of schools, residential houses and health centres. Alternatively, the land could be used for agricultural purposes and the construction of parks for the conservation of wildlife. Therefore, freight transport interferes with the natural environment in that it alters the productive use of land. Wildlife is disrupted by the construction of railways and roads. Vegetation is also destroyed. The exposure of land that is near the freight transport lines leads to pollution through pollutants that the transport vessels emit. This may lead to the destruction of vegetation through acid rain and alteration of the climatic patterns. Consequently, land uses change significantly thus affecting the whole population. Landscape fragmentation is exhibited since it is caused by transport infrastructure. The construction of canals, bridges, railways and airports affects the biodiversity of land (Button & Stough, 2006). Image 7: Railway Station Source: (Google Images, 2013) Other effects of freight transport include congestion and accidents. Unacceptable levels of fatalities and injuries occur on major highways leading to increased costs on hospitalisation or at times causing deaths. Freight transport is associated with congestion, which worsens mobility. Altered mobility results from lack of adequate and reliable funding to develop an eloquent transport system. Congestion has both social health and economic health negative impacts on the population. Reducing the Negative Impacts of Freight Transport There are several steps that ought to be taken to reduce the negative impacts of freight transport. These strategies should be implemented with the aid of governments alongside the creation of public awareness. Since freight transport is controlled by human beings, campaigns to reduce the negative impacts of freight transport should engage and involve them. Transport is both important to the society and the government but the government ought to play a key role in curbing the negative impacts of freight transport that subject citizens to health hazards. Given that the negative impacts of freight transport range from air pollution to water pollution, specific strategies should be implemented to reduce the effects of each impact. These strategies should be aimed at ensuring that the social costs, sometimes refereed to as externalities remain within the prescribed limits or targets. Reducing Air Pollution Authorities should seek to reduce air pollution caused by freight transport through the control of emissions that transport vessels produce to the environment. Governments and environmental conservation authorities should ensure that they set up the maximum impacts that transport vessels pose to the environment. Therefore, there should be strict emission standards. Governments should also set up the maximum energy associated with air pollution that is consumed. These policies should be universal across the world. Governments should set policies that will reduce the concentration of transport related pollution and improve air quality. This can be achieved by embracing technological improvements in the manufacture of transport vessels. This may involve the use of adequate technological improvements in aircrafts frames and engines to ensure that there is faster growth of the system’s positive effects than the negative impacts. Traffic congestion makes transport vessels stay at one point for a long time. This affects road transport the most where vehicles are either stuck or move slowly emitting pollutants to the atmosphere as fuel undergoes combustion. Therefore, there should be proper management of traffic to reduce the amount of harmful smoke that is emitted to the atmosphere. Also, people should be urged to use low emitting vehicles or avoid unnecessary transports to reduce the negative impacts of air pollutants on the atmosphere that result from freight transport. Reducing Noise Pollution Governments and environmental conservation authorities will have to introduce strict standards to regulate the amount of noise that freight transport vessels emit to the environment. For instance, governments should impose charges that those whose vehicles exceed the set noise limit causing noise pollution should pay. Vessel manufacturing companies should embrace technological improvements and design quieter trucks and other transport vessels which do not produce much noise. There should be strategies that ensure that the positive effects of transport exceed the negative effects by using modern technology to improve structures such as aircraft engines. Finally, residents should be provided with equipment for sound proofing their homes by use of screens. They can also use improved insulation in their dwellings. Reducing Water Pollution Environmental conversation organisation and various governments should be strict on what water transport vessels discharge onto water. Instead of tankers emptying oil and petroleum substances onto the water, they should discharge them to designated areas, probably areas set aide on the earth surface that are safe, and can lead to less pollution to the environment. Strict penalties for those who do not adhere to the set discharge standards should be imposed, whereby they should be heavily fined and banned from transporting cargo via water. Efficient technology should be embrace since it can aid in the manufacture of vessels that pose less risks of pollution to water. Finally, the use of vacuum systems to prevent the release of methane should be a policy to be implemented (Leinbach & Capineri, 2007). Reducing the Negative Impacts on Land Use Proper land use planning should be exercised to ensure that the negative impacts of freight transport on land use are reduced or eliminated. For instance, large tracts of land are used for the construction of airport, railway stations and roads. At times, areas meant for the conservation of wildlife such as game parks are destroyed to construct roads. To avoid diverting land use plans, conservation of the attractiveness of land should be considered keenly. Therefore, there should be integration of environmental and health considerations into urban planning. Reducing the Effects on Climate Change Global warming which results from air pollution may lead to change in climatic patterns. To reduce the changes that pollution impacts on climate, freight transport must be regulated to reduce air pollution. A charge for emissions to the atmosphere should be imposed. Secondly, environmental conservation authorities and governments should enact policies that can reduce the concentration of transport related pollution and improved air quality. Strict emission standards should be implemented. There should be also improvements in technology to manufacture vehicles and other transport vessels that pose lesser risks to the environment in terms of pollution. Governments should order for the use of low emitting transport vessels and manage traffic properly to reduce the levels of emissions to the environment. Reduction of the Depletion of Non-Renewable Resources Most freight transport vessels use fuel which when burnt pollutes the environment. Secondly, combustion and prolonged use of this fuel depletes coal reserves and may lead to the exhaustion of non-renewable resources. Governments and environmental conservation organisations should be on the look to reduce the amount of non-renewable resources that are used by freight transport vessels. They should set up a cap on the total energy consumed by freight transport vessels and its associated impacts on the environment in form of air pollution. Technological advancement can lead to the production of vessels that save on energy consumption. Setting strict emission standards will also help regulate the rate of non-renewable energy consumption. Proper management of traffic will also help reduce the amount of fuel wasted during traffic congestion. People and other stakeholders should be made aware so that they avoid unnecessary transport. Authorities should embrace modern technology to produce low emitting freight transport vessels. Finally, there should be shifting of cargo to carriers that are less harmful to the environment to avoid leave and arrival of long-haul traffic freight transport within towns (Kroon, Smit, & Ham, 1991, Pg 287). Conclusion Freight transport has lead to increased economic growth in the world. It has led to increased interaction between countries that are geographically separated by natural features or distance. For instance, the transport sector is a major source of employment for many people. It has enabled tourists to travel from one place to another. It is also a factor of production that enhances the movement of expertise, human capital and goods and services from one point to another point where they are required. This has led to increased productivity in the business sector. On the other hand, freight transport is associated with several, negative, environmental impacts. This has subjected the world at risk of perishing. For instance, air pollution has led to global warming, which in turn, alters climatic patterns. Emissions lead to water pollution. Additionally, the consumption of coal poses a danger of exhaustion of non-renewable resources while noise produced by some of the transport vessels is a major irritant. Transport infrastructure tempers with land use plans. Therefore, governments and environmental conserving organisations should find ways of reducing the negative impacts of freight transport to maintain a status quo. Some of the strategies of reducing these impacts include setting strict emission standards and pushing for the use of advanced technology. Energy consumption standards should also be set. People should try to guard themselves from these effects such as using insulators and sound proofs. As for water pollution, there should be strict rules banning discharge of oil substances onto the water. References Agarwal, S. K. 2005. Noise Pollution. New Delhi: A.P.H. Publishing Corporation. Allen, & Julian. 2012, July 20. Investigating Relationships Between Road Freight Transport, Facility Location, Logistics Management and Urban Form. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2012.06.010 All Posters. 2013. Air Transportation. 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