IMO Sets ‘By Or Around 2050’ As Net Zero Goal For Global Shipping Industry

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) decided on a “flexible” net zero aim of 2050 on Friday, which was aggressively promoted by the developing countries. The target also includes a “if the national circumstances allow” provision and a net zero goal “by or around” that is closer to 2050.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) softened its position on the strict net zero targets by 2050, which were actively promoted by the developed countries and some island nations. The global shipping industry currently contributes one billion tonnes annually to climate change.

However, the member states have accepted the indicated goals of lowering emissions by at least 20%, aiming for 30% by 2030, and at least 70%, aiming for 80% by 2040.

 

While criticizing the IMO of failing to link the shipping sector with the 1.5 degrees Celsius objective, the civil society organizations said that the level of ambition reached falls well short of what is required to ensure that global warming stays below 1.5C.

 

The British-based The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized organization of the United Nations that is in charge of measures to enhance the safety and security of international shipping and to avoid ship pollution.

 

The Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO has also decided to adopt “at least 5%, striving for 10% by 2030” of zero GHG emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources.

 

A paragraph urging attention to the plight of seafarers who are currently unprepared to handle green fuels and pressing the need to train the workforce was also included in the resolution for the reduction of GHG emissions adopted on the final day of the 80th MEPC Session at the IMO headquarters.

 

India is the world’s second-largest supplier of sailors.

 

Despite considerable criticism from nations like China and Brazil, the IMO rebranded the financial charge as a “economic measure” and included it to the basket of measures.

 

The majority of developing countries had been pushing for the mid-century goal, which might be achieved in 2051, 2052, or 2053. They insisted that the year 2050 should not be firmly fixed as the year for attaining net zero.

 

Nearly 3% of worldwide emissions are attributed to the maritime sector.