Shipping is a major contributor to globalization but is also a significant polluter.

Pollution hotspots: Indian Ocean (between Singapore and Sri Lanka), Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Mediterranean Sea, and route from Singapore to China.

Less pollution seen in Pacific and Atlantic Oceans as shipping routes are not as concentrated.

Consequences include: oil and chemical spills, waste dumping, greenhouse gas emissions, physical damage (from anchors), and noise pollution.

The world's main shipping routes are frequented by around 50,000 merchant ships, carrying 90% of global trade.

Environmental regulations are set by the International Maritime Organization and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Real-World Example: The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 is an example of the kind of environmental damage that shipping can cause.

Increasing levels of CO2 are causing ocean acidification.

Ships release sulphur and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to acidification.

Controls on sulphur content in marine fuel exist in parts of Europe and North America.

Deposition from sulphur dioxide from shipping ranges from 10% to over 25% along the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean.

Real-World Example: The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has experienced severe coral bleaching due to ocean acidification.

The carbon footprint of food production is multifaceted, factoring in production, distribution, retailing, packaging, refrigeration, transport method, and waste.

Producing food also involves machinery, chemicals, and pesticides which impact the environment.

Real-World Example: "Food miles" is a concept that examines the carbon footprint of food by assessing the distance food travels from farm to plate. For instance, a fruit imported from South America to Europe has a higher carbon footprint than local produce.