Amidst growing concerns over the climate crisis and its profound impact on the Arctic, the ‘Arctic Ocean Action’ initiative has emerged, driven by over 75 organizations and individuals. This collective effort, led by the Clean Arctic Alliance, seeks to rally global support for immediate and equitable measures to address the environmental threats posed by shipping activities in the Arctic, as reported by Clean Arctic.
- The ‘Arctic Ocean Action’ initiative by the Clean Arctic Alliance calls for a shift to cleaner fuels and propulsion methods by 2030 to reduce shipping’s climate impact in the Arctic.
- The campaign emphasizes the ban on scrubbers, which discharge wastewater into the sea, creating an ocean pollution problem.
- Urgently reducing emissions from ships is crucial to combat the rapid warming of the Arctic and preserve its fragile ecosystem.
Responding to Climate Crisis in the Arctic
Amidst mounting pressure on the Arctic region driven by the climate crisis, over 7 organizations and individuals, including scientists, writers, and photographers, have joined forces under the banner of the ‘Arctic Ocean Action.’ This initiative, launched by the Clean Arctic Alliance, urges the global community to support an equitable transition and immediate measures to mitigate the impact of shipping on Arctic wildlife, habitats, ecosystems, and communities.
A Path to Cleaner Shipping by 2030
The Arctic Ocean Action calls for swift action to reduce the climate impact of ships operating in and near the Arctic by 2030. The primary recommendation is an urgent shift away from heavy oil-based fuels towards distillate fuels (e.g., marine diesel) or cleaner non-fossil fuels, even exploring alternative propulsion methods such as wind. This transition aims to curtail ship black carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, crucial for preserving the Arctic environment.
Scrubbers and Ocean Pollution
Another essential component of this initiative is a call for a ban on the use of scrubbers, devices designed to clean fossil fuel emissions from vessel exhausts. The problem lies in the discharge of wastewater produced during this process into the sea, creating an ocean pollution issue. Eliminating scrubbers is a critical step towards safeguarding Arctic waters.
The Urgent Need to Protect the Arctic
The Arctic region is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformations in the last two centuries due to human activity. Protecting the evolving marine biodiversity and ecosystems in this space is imperative, not just for the Arctic but for the entire planet. As the Arctic warms nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, the consequences are far-reaching, making urgent action to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change an absolute necessity.
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Source:cleanarctic
