The Sumud Flotilla, composed of around fifty ships and thousands of participants, demonstrates how solidarity and ecology can sail hand in hand.
Beyond its political and humanitarian ambition—to symbolically break the Gaza blockade and deliver vital aid—the Global Sumud Flotilla also stands out as a deeply ecological initiative. Over 15,000 people from 44 countries have registered to participate in this maritime movement, which consists of about fifty medium-sized ships, some partially powered by sails. This choice of sea transport is no accident: it reflects a desire to align social justice with climate responsibility. [
1]
A strategic and ecological transport choice
In popular imagination, a solidarity convoy often takes the form of columns of buses and trucks, or an airlift connecting several capitals. But in the case of Gaza, a land route is nearly impossible: it would require crossing Libya and then Egypt to reach the Rafah crossing, under heavy political and security constraints. Such an option, even if allowed, would also have a colossal environmental impact.
By comparison, sea transport is far more energy-efficient. According to estimates by the European Environment Agency, an average cargo ship emits about 10 to 20 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometer, compared to 60 to 120 grams for road vehicles and over 500 grams for a commercial airplane. Even with diesel engines, the sea remains the lowest-carbon option for mass transport. [
2]
A revealing numerical comparison
To better gauge the ecological impact, it is useful to compare different scenarios for moving around 15,000 people and several hundred tons of humanitarian aid between Europe and Gaza (an average distance of 2,000 km):
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Scenario
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Estimated Emissions (total CO₂)
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Notes
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Flotilla (50 mixed ships, including sailboats)
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~3,000–5,000 tons
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Several ships partially use sails, reducing emissions.
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Land convoy (1,000 buses and trucks)
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~20,000–25,000 tons
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Crossing 3 countries, long desert roads, fossil fuel use.
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Airlift (60 charter flights, A320 type)
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~80,000–90,000 tons
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Fastest transport, but by far the most polluting.
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These figures, based on average emission factors, show that the flotilla reduces emissions by about 80% compared to a road convoy and nearly 95% compared to air transport.
The symbolism of wind and resilience
The initiative also carries a poetic and political dimension: some of the vessels are simple sailboats, where the wind becomes an ally of solidarity. This connection to a free, clean, natural energy source reinforces the meaning of the word Sumud—“resilience,” perseverance—which gives the flotilla its name [
3]. It embodies a rejection of waste and violence in favor of a sober and determined collective journey.
Solidarity and ecology, a shared horizon
Ultimately, the Global Sumud Flotilla does more than challenge a blockade contested under international law. It also proposes a new way of thinking about international solidarity: one that does not exacerbate the climate crisis but instead integrates it as a key consideration. In a world already suffering from the devastating effects of global warming, the idea that the struggle for justice in Palestine can be connected to climate justice gives this initiative an unprecedented symbolic power.
The message is clear: defending Gaza is also defending the shared future of humanity against wars, famines… and climate disruption.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/31/the-global-sumud-flotilla-to-gaza-everything-you-need-to-know
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-transport?activeAccordion=546a7c35-9188-4d23-94ee-005d97c26f2b
https://scheerpost.com/2025/08/28/the-global-sumud-flotilla-over-50-ships-will-set-sail-for-gaza/
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