New strategy for global shipping to move towards phasing out GHG emissions

04 / 07 / 2023

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A new strategy is expected to set global shipping on an ambitious path towards phasing out greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, top UN officials said at the opening of the latest session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in London.

Gathering from 3 to 7 July to review ongoing efforts, the Committee is expected to adopt a greenhouse gas emissions strategy in response to climate change and threats to biodiversity, following meetings with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim urged aging States to help roll out the new strategy by forging ambitious targets that will put shipping on a “clear trajectory” to phase out greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is a historic moment in which all of you have a role to play,” IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said, encouraging States to help roll out the new strategy by forging ambitious targets that will put shipping on a “clear trajectory” to phase out greenhouse gas emissions.

“The 2023 strategy will be your legacy, for which your children and grandchildren will be grateful,” he said. “The time for IMO to demonstrate its global leadership is now.”

The revised strategy is expected to set out the way forward for possible technical and economic measures to be further developed by IMO.

“Humanity is in dangerous waters on climate,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message at the start of MPEC’s latest session.

“Science tells us it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 °C, but it requires an immense and immediate global effort, and shipping, which accounts for almost three per cent of global emissions, will be vital.”

The decisions “you take over the coming days could help us chart a safer course”, he said, urging Committee members to agree on the strategy forward.