- As the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 10) convenes in London, the Clean Arctic Alliance emphasizes the escalating underwater noise levels in Arctic waters due to shipping.
- Highlighting the threat to Indigenous communities and wildlife relying on marine resources, the Alliance calls for mandatory measures to curb noise pollution.
- Proposed actions include formulating best practices, experience-building for noise reduction, and an action plan paving the way for new policies.
- The Alliance asserts that addressing underwater noise is crucial for combating the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
The Clean Arctic Alliance is raising urgent concerns about the rising levels of underwater noise pollution from shipping in Arctic waters. The lack of regulations on noise pollution poses a significant threat to both Indigenous communities and wildlife dependent on marine resources for sustenance.
Call for Mandatory Measures at SDC 10
During the SDC 10 meeting, the Clean Arctic Alliance urges the International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states to take decisive actions:
1. Develop a structured plan for the IMO’s Experience Building Phase (EBP), emphasizing the importance of noise reduction benefits in energy efficiency measures.
2. Incorporate a new task in the action plan, directing SDC 10 to submit information on energy efficiency measures with noise reduction benefits to MEPC 82 for consideration during the revision of the Carbon Intensity Indicator.
3. Discuss and agree upon a recommendation for implementing the action plan, seeking urgent approval by MEPC 81.
4. Support the inclusion of an Implementation Framework for the Guidelines for Underwater Radiated Noise Reduction in Inuit Nunaat and the Arctic, focusing on noise reduction methods considering Indigenous Knowledge and ecosystem protection.
Linking Underwater Noise Reduction to Climate Action
The Clean Arctic Alliance underscores that effectively addressing underwater noise is a key measure with co-benefits in combating the climate crisis and reversing biodiversity loss. By focusing on solutions such as energy efficiency measures and slowing down ships, the maritime sector can contribute to reducing emissions, underwater noise, and the risk of marine incidents.
Urgency Amid Climatic Challenges
With 2023 marked as the hottest year on record and a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 30% by 2030, the Clean Arctic Alliance emphasizes the need for swift implementation of short-term actions and cross-issue mitigation measures. Slowing down ships and introducing new propellers designed to reduce noise are highlighted as immediate measures.
Hope for Tangible Steps
The Clean Arctic Alliance expresses optimism that by the end of the SDC 10 meeting, the IMO will establish a robust structure for the Experience Building Phase on underwater noise. The implementation of an action plan is expected to bring tangible steps toward reducing underwater noise pollution from ships. The Alliance stresses the prioritization of an implementation framework to address noise reduction in Inuit Nunaat and the Arctic, contributing to the safeguarding of Arctic wildlife and Indigenous communities.
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Source: Ajot
