Following the Arctic Council’s release of the Romssa-Tromsø Statement on May 12, the Clean Arctic Alliance expressed disappointment over the Council’s failure to adequately address the climate crisis in the Arctic. The alliance emphasized the urgent need for stronger action on black carbon and methane emissions, which significantly contribute to global warming and disproportionately impact the Arctic region.
Black Carbon: Shipping’s Unresolved Super Pollutant
Black carbon, or soot, is a short-lived climate pollutant responsible for nearly one-fifth of international shipping’s climate impact. It absorbs sunlight, accelerates the melting of Arctic ice, and has over 3,000 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 20-year period. While the Arctic Council has reported a 23% reduction target for black carbon emissions between 2017 and 2025, emissions from shipping in the region have more than doubled in recent years.
The Clean Arctic Alliance called on the new Danish Chairship to take a firm stance by urging the shipping sector to switch from heavy residual fuels to cleaner polar fuels and supporting immediate black carbon reduction targets. Despite modest Council efforts, the delay in setting new targets until 2029 is seen as a major setback by environmental groups.
Methane: LNG’s Role in Arctic Warming
Methane emissions are also a growing concern, especially with the rise in Arctic LNG tanker operations. In 2024, LNG-fueled vessels sailed over 877,000 nautical miles in the region — a sharp increase from zero in 2014. Methane leakage during LNG extraction, transport, and combustion contributes to significant climate and ecological damage, including the acceleration of Arctic ice melt.
The Clean Arctic Alliance urged the Arctic Council to align with — and exceed — the Global Methane Pledge, which targets a 30% reduction by 2030. Given the region’s sensitivity, the Alliance recommends an even more ambitious 40% cut from 2020 levels.
Urgent Call for Stronger Arctic Climate Leadership
While the Arctic Council’s Expert Group on Black Carbon and Methane acknowledged the need for regulatory action, the Clean Arctic Alliance insists that more immediate steps are needed. This includes developing concrete proposals for black carbon regulation by the IMO’s PPR 13 in 2026, and supporting civil society’s Beyond Methane Pledge, which aims to phase out LNG as a marine fuel.
The Alliance warns that without bolder commitments, the Arctic Council risks failing its mandate to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems and the global climate. It urges all member states to treat black carbon and methane emissions as emergency issues requiring swift and decisive policy action.
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Source: CLEAN ARCTIC ALLIANCE
