- The Clean Arctic Alliance has called for immediate action to safeguard the Arctic from the environmental consequences of shipping.
- The request, made following the UNFCCC COP29 conference and in observance of the UN’s World Sustainable Transport Day, urges Arctic shipping operators and UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states to transition to cleaner marine fuels, establish new emission control areas (ECAs), and ban the use of scrubbers.
- The Alliance highlights that the Arctic is undergoing rapid climate change and immediate action is needed to prevent further damage to this vulnerable region.
Key Measures Proposed by the Clean Arctic Alliance
The Clean Arctic Alliance has outlined three key actions to address the environmental challenges caused by shipping in the Arctic:
- The Clean Arctic Alliance advocates for the transition from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to cleaner distillate fuels such as DMA and DMZ. This shift would reduce the emission of black carbon, which accelerates ice melt in the Arctic by darkening snow and ice surfaces. The installation of diesel particulate filters (DPF) on ships could also help mitigate these harmful emissions.
- The Alliance calls for the creation of new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. ECAs are regulatory zones where shipping emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter, are tightly controlled. These measures would protect Arctic coastal communities from the harmful effects of air pollution caused by shipping.
- Scrubbers, or Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, are used by ships to reduce sulfur emissions but result in harmful wastewater that is often discharged into the ocean. The Clean Arctic Alliance urges a ban on scrubbers in the Arctic to prevent this pollution from affecting the region’s fragile marine environment.
The Urgency of Action for the Arctic
The Arctic is experiencing alarming environmental changes such as seasonal sea ice loss, melting ice sheets, permafrost thaw, and rising ocean temperatures. These shifts are causing serious environmental and social consequences for Arctic communities and ecosystems. Dr. Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues: “The Arctic climate crisis is underway and urgent measures need to be adopted to reverse these alarming trends.” Immediate action to reduce emissions of pollutants like black carbon and methane is critical in preventing further escalation of these changes.
Focus on Arctic Sustainability
As the UN prepares for the 2025 Ocean Conference, the Clean Arctic Alliance urges global leaders to prioritize the Arctic. Andrew Dumbrille, North American Advisor to the Alliance, pointed out that the Arctic is facing the worst consequences of climate change, and the time to act is now. “There is nowhere on earth that is experiencing the devastating consequences of the triple planetary crises like in the Arctic,” Dumbrille said.
Conclusion
The proposed measures by the Clean Arctic Alliance—switching to cleaner fuels, establishing ECAs, and banning scrubbers—are immediate, feasible actions that can make a significant difference in protecting the Arctic environment. By implementing these changes, shipping operators can help mitigate the harmful effects of shipping on this vulnerable region. As global shipping continues to grow, it is essential that the Arctic is protected from further damage, ensuring a sustainable future for both the region and the planet. The Clean Arctic Alliance’s call for action highlights the pressing need for responsible and sustainable shipping practices in the Arctic.
Did you Subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Clean Arctic Alliance
