Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium Event

Global Trade and Southern California

Join Dr. James Fawcett as he shares his insights about the fascinating industry of global trade, its contribution to our local economy and culture, the environmental issues, and opportunities as we look toward the next decade and the influence the local ports will have upon our lives in Southern California.

Waterborne trade, especially in the Pacific, has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Southern California economy. Its ports handle more marine freight than any in the nation and, indeed, are critical to the U.S. economy. Almost one million workers in this region are dependent upon that trade for their jobs, and the industry is anticipated to potentially double in volume over the next decades. Certainly, there are also problems associated with our mammoth ports, including air pollution and congestion on our freeways as we digest all the cargo moving into and through our region. But, the Southern California’s ports are simultaneously working to clean the air while moving cargo even more efficiently.

Dr. Fawcett, adjunct professor of public policy with the University of Southern California, specializes in research on our ocean logistics industry.

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