The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Clean Arctic Alliance are pressing for crucial environmental protections at the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82), held from September 30 to October 4, 2024. Their primary focus is on reducing black carbon emissions and implementing comprehensive measures to protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Push for Cleaner Marine Fuels and Emission Standards
Environmental groups are urging the mandatory adoption of cleaner distillate marine fuels to reduce black carbon emissions from shipping, which pose severe risks to Arctic ecosystems. WWF also supports the enforcement of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and calls for a Global Fuel Standard for zero-emission fuels. Additionally, WWF advocates for the approval of a carbon levy to facilitate a just transition within the shipping industry.
Managing Underwater Noise Pollution and Reducing Vessel Speeds
WWF is advocating for mandatory regulations to manage underwater noise pollution from ships. They highlight that reducing vessel speeds not only cuts carbon emissions but also lowers the risk of ship strikes on marine life, particularly whales.
Call to Ban Scrubbers and Manage Pollution
Both WWF and the Clean Arctic Alliance are calling for a ban on scrubber systems in the Arctic, especially after 2023 was recorded as the fourth warmest year for the region. Scrubbers allow vessels to use heavy fuel oil (HFO), which results in significant marine pollution. WWF further seeks to prohibit scrubber wastewater discharges in coastal and marine protected areas due to the associated environmental and health risks.
Establishing Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
The Clean Arctic Alliance is supporting the establishment of two new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea. These ECAs aim to reduce sulfur and nitrogen emissions through the use of cleaner fuels, thereby enhancing air quality and protecting human health, although further regulations are needed to fully address black carbon concerns.
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Source: Safety4Sea
