A new survey reveals that 83 per cent of logistics professionals worldwide believe that climate change necessitates a fundamental overhaul of industry networks, highlighting urgent gaps in climate adaptation and emissions reduction efforts amid increasing risks and skills shortages.
Climate change is forcing logistics leaders to confront a reality that many have long treated as theoretical: the industry may need to be redesigned from the ground up. In the first Global Sustainable Logistics Survey, carried out by Kühne Logistics University and the Kuehne Climate Center, 83 per cent of the 1,085 professionals questioned across 64 countries said climate change would require a fundamental redesign of logistics networks, while only 45 per cent judged existing adaptation measures to be adequate for the years ahead.
The findings point to a sector that understands the scale of the threat but is still struggling to turn agreement into implementation. Extreme heat emerged as the most urgent risk to logistics assets and operations across every mode of transport and region covered by the survey. The report said climate-proofing infrastructure, climate risk assessment, scenario planning and digital tools for tracking climate exposure were seen as the most effective forms of adaptation, yet fewer than half of respondents believed current efforts were sufficient. The study is intended to act as a benchmark during the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, which runs from 2026 to 2035.
There is also broad consensus on how to cut emissions, but adoption remains uneven where the required change depends on heavy capital investment or wider policy support. The survey found that logistics providers and their customers largely agree on the direction of travel, yet progress is slower on measures such as low-carbon fuels, fleet electrification and shifting freight on to rail and waterways. Kühne Logistics University has separately argued that logistics is too often overlooked in net-zero planning, despite accounting for around 11 to 12 per cent of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, alongside other climate-polluting gases.
Skills shortages are adding another layer of difficulty. The research identified gaps in emissions calculation and reporting capabilities in parts of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, while 43 per cent of respondents in western Europe reported a shortage of systems-thinking skills. Professor Johannes Meuer, the survey’s lead investigator, said: ‘Sustainable logistics solutions exist, but too few are making it from research and pilots into everyday practice.’ Elsewhere, KLU experts have warned that sustainability is becoming less visibly prominent amid geopolitical and economic pressures, even as climate risk is becoming more tangible, with artificial intelligence and alternative drive technologies increasingly seen as practical tools for a more resilient logistics system.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://www.logisticsmanager.com/climate-adaptation-requires-fundamental-redesign-of-logistics/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.klu.org/article/logistics-industry-agrees-on-solutions-but-struggles-to-scale-them – A recent survey by Kühne Logistics University (KLU) and the Kuehne Climate Center (KCC) reveals that 83% of logistics professionals anticipate that climate change will necessitate a fundamental redesign of logistics networks. However, only 45% believe current adaptation measures are sufficient. The study highlights a consensus between logistics providers and their customers on effective emission-reduction strategies, yet points out that solutions requiring significant infrastructure investment, such as low-carbon fuels and fleet electrification, are lagging in adoption. The report also identifies skills shortages in emissions calculation and reporting, particularly in regions like Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- https://www.klu.org/article/decarbonising-logistics-the-need-for-concerted-action-rather-than-pushback – Professor McKinnon argues that despite geopolitical distractions, climate change remains the primary existential threat to civilisation. He notes that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, with only minor dips during the 2007-8 financial crisis and the recent pandemic. The article emphasises the urgent need for concerted action to decarbonise logistics, highlighting that the sector must rapidly adapt to mitigate climate risks and align with global sustainability goals.
- https://www.klu.org/article/between-ai-and-climate-change-the-sustainable-transformation-of-logistics – The 19th Logistics Day, hosted by the Kühne Foundation at KLU, focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the logistics sector amidst climate change. Over 140 experts discussed how AI can drive sustainable practices, enhance supply chain management, and improve humanitarian logistics. The event underscored the necessity for the logistics industry to leverage AI technologies to address the challenges posed by climate change and to foster a more sustainable future.
- https://www.klu.org/article/change-makers-dialogues-drive-technologies – The February Change Makers Dialogue at KLU brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss alternative drive technologies shaping the future of heavy-duty logistics. Representatives from Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, Volvo Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus SE, GP JOULE Gruppe, and eliso explored battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles, hydrogen solutions, and advanced biofuels. The discussion addressed infrastructure requirements, cost dynamics, policy frameworks, and scalability challenges, highlighting the importance of these technologies in achieving sustainable transport solutions.
- https://www.klu.org/article/the-forgotten-role-of-logistics-in-achieving-net-zero – This article highlights the often-overlooked role of logistics in achieving net-zero emissions. It points out that logistics accounts for around 11-12% of global energy-related CO2 emissions and substantial emissions of black carbon, methane, and refrigerant gases. The piece argues that assessments of future transport needs typically exclude the logistical demands of creating infrastructure for renewables and carbon dioxide removal, yet none of these goals are achievable without logistics coordinating the related flows of materials, equipment, and sequestered carbon.
- https://www.klu.org/article/klu-experts-predictions-for-2026 – KLU experts predict that in 2026, sustainability will become less symbolically visible due to geopolitical volatility and economic pressures shifting attention towards short-term stability and competitiveness. However, the pressure to act on climate change will become more tangible, with climate risks and supply chain disruptions no longer manageable through communication alone. Sustainability management is expected to become more technical and impactful, focusing on concrete actions to address environmental challenges.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 10
Notes: The article references the first Global Sustainable Logistics Survey, published on 5 October 2026. No earlier versions of this specific survey were found, indicating the content is fresh and original. The article does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative is based on a press release from Kühne Logistics University and the Kuehne Climate Center, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score: 8
Notes: The article includes direct quotes from Professor Johannes Meuer, the survey’s lead investigator. A search for the earliest known usage of these quotes did not yield earlier instances, suggesting they are original. However, without access to the original press release, it’s challenging to confirm the exact wording and context of the quotes, which introduces a degree of uncertainty.
Source reliability
Score: 9
Notes: The article originates from Logistics Manager, a publication focused on logistics and supply chain management. While it is a niche publication, it is reputable within its field. The lead source, Kühne Logistics University, is a well-established institution with a strong academic reputation. However, the university’s involvement in the study may introduce potential bias, as it has a vested interest in the survey’s findings.
Plausibility check
Score: 9
Notes: The claims made in the article align with current industry trends and are plausible. The survey’s findings are consistent with existing literature on the impact of climate change on logistics. However, the article lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which makes independent verification challenging. The report also lacks specific factual anchors, such as names of institutions or dates, which could enhance credibility.