Urgent Call to Regulate Black Carbon Emissions in the Arctic
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convenes its Pollution Prevention and Response sub-committee (PPR 12) in London from January 27 to 31, the Clean Arctic Alliance is urging immediate action to mitigate the impact of shipping-related black carbon emissions in the Arctic. The organization is advocating for regulations that would identify cleaner fuels suitable for the region and halt the discharge of scrubber waste in sensitive coastal areas.
Addressing Black Carbon Emissions
The Clean Arctic Alliance emphasizes the need for IMO Member States to develop a black carbon regulation under MARPOL Annex VI. This regulation should mandate the exclusive use of “polar fuels” in and around the Arctic. Dr. Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, highlighted the urgency of this issue, stating that black carbon is a potent short-lived climate pollutant. It significantly contributes to climate change, particularly in the Arctic, where its effects are magnified. Black carbon emissions account for approximately one-fifth of international shipping’s climate impact. When deposited on snow and ice, it accelerates melting, exposing darker surfaces that absorb more heat, further exacerbating climate change.
Bill Hemmings, Black Carbon Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, stressed the importance of endorsing the concept of polar fuels. He called for the IMO to agree that only distillate-grade DMA marine fuels or alternatives with similar or lower black carbon emissions should be used in the Arctic. A paper submitted to the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee outlines the characteristics of suitable polar fuels, aiming to reduce black carbon emissions from international shipping. The need for such regulations is underscored by the alarming decline in Arctic sea ice and the potential for irreversible climate changes.
The consequences of inaction are dire. Scientists warn that the Arctic is nearing critical thresholds that could lead to rapid and irreversible changes affecting global climate and ocean circulation. The urgency to act is further compounded by the health risks associated with black carbon, which has been found in the tissues of fetuses, raising concerns about its impact on human health.
The Clean Arctic Alliance’s call for immediate regulatory action highlights the critical need to address black carbon emissions from shipping in the Arctic. The upcoming PPR 12 meeting presents a pivotal opportunity for IMO Member States to take decisive steps toward protecting this vulnerable region.
Source: Clean Arctic Alliance
