Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Shipping can gain from cutting climate impact
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
The shipping industry has nothing to fear from reducing its pollution and climate-changing emissions and would even gain financially, according to a new study from WWF. The report, published to coincide with the second greenhouse gas study published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), says shipping is responsible for almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But it says the shipping sector could reduce its climate impact by at least 20% and make financial gains.
It identifies 'a significant potential' for reducing emissions through technical and operational measures which could increase efficiency and reduce emissions by 25% to 75%. It also identifies benefits that could come from emissions trading or a bunker fuel levy.
POST-KYOTO
Shipping is coming under increasing pressure to be included in the post-Kyoto climate deal due to be worked out at December's UN climate summit in Copenhagen. Like aviation, it was not part of the Kyoto deal but has seen very little progress since 1997.
Shipping observers note a growing unrest among governments at an emerging realisation about the magnitude of shipping’s contribution to climate change.
Source: European Federation for Transport & Environment
