To green or not to green: A political economic and social analysis for the past failure of green logistics

Abstract

The objective of green logistics has thus far failed. For example the share of greenhouse gas emissions by the transportation and logistics sector in Europe rose from 16.6% in 1990 to 24.3% in 2012. This article analyzes the reasons behind this failure by drawing on political economic and business as well as social motivations and examples. At the core of this analysis are the established theorems of the Jevons paradox and the median voter (Black Downs) in combination with time-distorted preferences of voters and consumers. Adding to the hurdles of green logistics are the problems of short-term political programs and decisions versus long-term business investments in transportation and logistics. Two cases from Germany are outlined regarding this political "meddling through" with a recent 2015 truck toll decision and the support for electric trucks and vehicles. Finally the article proposes two ways forward: public control and restriction of carbon raw materials (coal oil) as well as public investment in low-emission transport infrastructure or biofuels as the more feasible and likely alternative.