The winds of change are blowing through the world’s maritime hubs…despite some national governments’ efforts to the contrary. While the shipping industry carries 90% of global trade, it also leaves a heavy carbon trail in its wake. In this episode of Cities 1.5, we explore the high-stakes transformation of our global ports: once seen as industrial hotspots of pollution, these urban harbours are emerging as the front lines of the green transition. We dive into the groundbreaking "Green Shipping Corridors" that are linking sustainable cities, and the bold shift toward zero-emission fuels. From local air quality to global supply chains, discover how cities are turning the tide on emissions and steering the industry toward a 1.5°C future. It’s time to rethink the horizon: clearer skies and smoother sailing ahead.

Featured guests: 

Eric Garcetti, C40 Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy and former Mayor of Los Angeles

Alisa Kreynes, Director of Ports and Shipping at C40

Featured clips:

The Shipping Forecast - BBC Radio 4

Global shipping emissions vote on a knife edge at IMO - BBC Business Today

Links:

Greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from global shipping, 2016–2023 - The International Council on Clean Transportation

A guide to the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework - Global Maritime Forum

Landmark deal to cut global shipping emissions in tatters after US pressure - BBC News

Ports and Shipping - C40 Knowledge Hub

Green shipping corridors programme - C40 Cities website

From Los Angeles to Shanghai, the port cities collaborating to cut shipping emissions - Reuters

Green Ports Forum - C40 Cities website

Why should we talk about a 'just and equitable' transition for shipping? - UN Trade and Development

Rescuing shipping's Net Zero Framework - Climate Analytics

Cities take the global stage to showcase climate action at the IMO for the first time - C40 Cities website

If you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website at https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/

Listen to the Cities 1.5 five-part miniseries “Going Steady with Herman Daly: How to Unbreak the Economy (and the Planet)" here: https://lnk.to/HDMiniSeries

Cities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and the C40 Centre, and is supported by C40 Cities. Sign up to the Centre newsletter: https://thecentre.substack.com/

Writing and executive production by Peggy Whitfield.

Narrative and communications support by Chiara Morfeo.

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

Music by Lorna Gilfedder: https://origamipodcastservices.com/