The Panama Canal is a modern marvel that has been helping ships save time and fuel by reducing travel distances for over a century. Not only does this reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but the Panama Canal also actively protects its environmental resources and promotes the implementation of maritime traffic separation schemes to reduce overlap between vessels and migratory whales. To make your tour of the Panama Canal more eco-friendly, here are some tips and tricks. The Panama Canal Railway is a great way to get around. This 76-kilometer (47-mile) route connects Panama City to Colón and extends from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.
It operates from Monday to Friday, so plan your trip accordingly. The Environmental Economic Incentives Program is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint while visiting the Panama Canal. This program allows ships to save time and fuel by reducing travel distances, which represents a reduction of more than 850 million tons of CO2 equivalent. The Emissions Calculator is a tool that allows evaluating the reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of shipping companies by route, including the amount saved by transiting the Panama Canal on the most likely alternative route.
The Control Panel also publishes monthly data on the CO2 emissions saved by ships that chose to transit the Panama Canal, compared to the most likely alternative route. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider heading to some of the lesser-known destinations in Panama. You'll be rewarded with better food, incredible tourist-free landscapes and lower prices. Finally, if you're looking for a way to contribute to sustainability efforts in Panama, consider joining the Declaration of the “First 50 Carbon-Neutral Organizations”, an initiative led by the Panamanian Ministry of Environment to integrate national efforts to accelerate measurable climate actions.
