Unveiling the Challenges of Transport Electrification and Leadership Gaps in Sustainability
Don't buy an electric boat
Hey folks, welcome back to the ESG Nerd newsletter. We’re going to change the tone for this edition, with a light hearted touch. Before we get into today’s important topic, I’d like to welcome several readers from
- thank you for your subscriptions.Here at ESG Nerd, I like to peel back the onion layers on some of the globe’s most pressing issues, and as sustainability consultant, I’m comfortable with talking about the myriad of topics. Today’s theme has got me……fried.
In recent times, transport electrification has come under a lot of scrutiny. I’ve written about the risks associated with plundering the deep sea (below 200 meters). A processes being pursued to extract the minerals needed to manufacture semi-conductors. Then of course there’s the lack of infrastructure needed to support light goods vehicles, not forgetting the costs and availability of models. You get the picture.
What I didn't anticipate was President Trump weighing in on the issue, and he did so with a touch of WTF! MSNBC reported that at a rally in Nevada, the presumptive GOP nominee told his followers that “they” are pursuing a policy that would mandate boat manufacturers use electric engines.
“So I said, ‘Let me ask you a question, and [the guy who makes boats in South Carolina] said, ‘Nobody ever asked this question,’ and it must be because of MIT, my relationship to MIT —very smart. He goes, I say, ‘What would happen if the boat sank from its weight? And you’re in the boat and you have this tremendously powerful battery and the battery is now underwater and there’s a shark that’s approximately 10 yards over there?”
Bonkers! That’s the only word I can use to describe President Trump’s comments.
On a serious note, I have little confidence that Trump, or the winners of the UK election will provide any sustainability leadership during the forthcoming year. That’s an opinion shared by many of my colleagues.
Transport electrification remains a critical and contentious issue, with numerous challenges and risks that need addressing. I often wonder if the real solution to driving down emissions lies with hydrogen? JCB have made great strides in the development of such technology, but we need manufacturers must follow JCB’s blueprint.
That’s a wrap for the this edition of ESG Nerd. Trump's bizarre comments on electric boat engines remind us of the unpredictable nature of political discourse. However, it's clear that we can't rely on such antics for the serious sustainability leadership we desperately need.
While today's topic has me feeling a bit fried, I hope it has also sparked some thoughts and discussions among you. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let's keep pushing for the changes we want to see in the world. Until next time, stay curious.