The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty aimed at reducing carbon emissions and slowing the effects of climate change. The agreement was signed by 195 countries in 2015 and has since evolved to include specific measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors. One of the lesser-known but critical aspects of the Paris Agreement is its focus on the maritime industry.
The Paris Agreement recognizes the significant impact of the maritime industry on global carbon emissions. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the shipping industry contributes around 2.5% of the world`s greenhouse gas emissions. However, this percentage could rise to 17% if no action is taken to regulate the sector`s emissions. Therefore, the Paris Agreement included a specific target for reducing carbon emissions from the maritime industry.
The Paris Agreement maritime target stipulates that the international shipping industry`s emissions must be reduced by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. This target aims to align the shipping industry`s climate ambitions with the Paris Agreement`s objective of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, the IMO has been tasked with developing measures to reduce shipping emissions.
The IMO has already taken some steps towards achieving the Paris Agreement maritime target. In 2018, the IMO adopted a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. The strategy includes specific targets for reducing carbon emissions by 2030 and 2050 and a set of short-term measures to achieve these targets.
The short-term measures include the adoption of energy efficiency measures, such as slow steaming, the use of low-carbon fuels, and the development of new technologies. The IMO is also developing a carbon-intensity score for new ships to encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies and fuels.
In addition to these measures, the IMO is also working on regulations to limit the use of heavy fuel oil in the Arctic and reduce harmful emissions from ships in ports and coastal areas. The IMO has also launched a global data collection system for fuel consumption, which will help track emissions from ships and identify areas for improvement.
While the Paris Agreement maritime target is ambitious, it is achievable with the right measures and cooperation from the shipping industry and governments worldwide. The shipping industry`s contribution to global carbon emissions cannot be ignored, and the Paris Agreement maritime target is a crucial step towards reducing its impact on the environment. As we move towards a greener future, the maritime industry must play its part in reducing carbon emissions and slowing the effects of climate change.