The head of the United Nations (UN) has called for maritime nations to reach an agreement on reducing the shipping industry’s emissions to net zero by the middle of the century. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres made this appeal at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meeting in London, stressing its significance in achieving the global goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The shipping industry currently accounts for nearly three percent of global emissions. Guterres urged delegates to establish a new greenhouse gas strategy for shipping that includes ambitious science-based targets starting in 2030, focusing on both absolute emissions reductions and the use of clean fuels. The aim is to ensure the shipping industry plays a vital role in combating climate change and reducing its environmental impact.

The IMO has set a goal for the shipping industry to reduce its emissions by at least 50 percent from 2008 to 2050. To achieve this, there are suggestions to implement a carbon price for shipping, levying charges on emissions. Some campaigners propose utilizing the generated funds to support developing nations in their climate change mitigation efforts, while the industry favors directing the funds towards advancing clean technologies.

Snapshot

The shipping industry’s emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050.

Key Highlights

• UN chief calls for maritime nations to reach an agreement on net zero shipping emissions by 2050.
• Shipping industry currently contributes nearly three percent of global emissions.
• UN secretary-general emphasizes the need for a new greenhouse gas strategy for shipping.
• Strategy should include science-based targets starting in 2030.
• IMO aims for a minimum 50 percent emissions reduction from 2008 to 2050.
• Implementation of carbon pricing and charges on emissions is under consideration.
• Debate on utilizing funds generated from carbon pricing to support developing nations or advance clean technologies.

Conclusion

The urgent need to combat climate change and reduce the environmental impact of the shipping industry has been emphasized by the UN chief. Setting ambitious science-based targets, implementing carbon pricing, and directing the funds towards sustainable initiatives can help achieve the goal of net zero shipping emissions by 2050.

Tags

United Nations, Shipping Industry, IMO, UN chief, Net Zero Shipping By 2050, Shipping Sector, International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Data Table