Nations aim to zero out shipping emissions by 2050

Cargo ships and Cargo containers docked at the Port of Mombasa on June 11, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

In a significant move towards combatting climate change, negotiators from countries around the world reached an agreement to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry by as close to 2050 as possible.

The breakthrough occurred at the annual meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, where representatives convened to discuss the industry's transition to zero-emissions fuels.

The shipping industry, responsible for approximately 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, often burns heavily polluting fuels such as dirty oil.

However, environmental groups have expressed disappointment, stating that the level of ambition falls short of what is necessary to limit global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

They also set "indicative checkpoints" to decrease total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20 per cent by 2030, with a target of 30 per cent compared to 2008 levels.

Additionally, the agreement aims to reduce total annual GHG emissions by at least 70 per cent by 2040, striving for 80 per cent compared to 2008. John Maggs, president of the environmental Clean Shipping Coalition, expressed dissatisfaction with the agreed-upon level of ambition. He stated, "The level of ambition agreed is far short of what is needed to be sure of keeping global heating below 1.5C."

The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships aligns with global initiatives such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

The strategy outlines specific objectives for the international shipping industry, including a 40 per cent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 compared to 2008 levels. It also aims to increase the adoption of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and fuels, targeting representation of at least 5 per cent of energy used by the shipping industry by 2030.

Transitioning to zero-emissions alternatives will require significant investments from governments, oil and gas companies, and the development of new ships, tankers, pipelines, and port infrastructure.

Kenya, a country in East Africa, has been actively involved in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices. With a coastline along the Indian Ocean, Kenya relies on maritime trade for economic growth. The provisional agreement reached at the IMO holds great significance for Kenya, as it aligns with the country's commitment to environmental sustainability.

According to John Amingo, acting director of Kenya Maritime Authority Kenya, like many other African nations, is vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities and exacerbate food insecurity.

“The agreement's focus on reducing shipping emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius resonates with Kenya's efforts to mitigate climate-related risks,” Amingo explained.

He added that Kenya has been making strides in renewable energy development. “The country has invested heavily in solar and wind power projects, aiming to transition to clean energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.”

 The IMO agreement aligns with Kenya's renewable energy goals, as it encourages the use of zero-emissions alternatives such as green hydrogen and green ammonia, which can be produced using renewable electricity.

He said the transition to zero-emissions fuels, on the one hand, opens avenues for technological advancements and green investments, fostering economic growth and job creation.

“On the other hand, it requires significant infrastructure development, including new ports and support for clean fuel supply chains. Kenya's participation in the IMO agreement signifies its commitment to addressing these challenges and embracing sustainable practices in the shipping sector,” he noted.

The agreement serves as a benchmark for governments to set their own targets. According to the agreement, shipping companies should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by "at least 20 per cent" compared to 2008 levels by 2030, and "at least 70 per cent" by 2040.

The ultimate goal is to achieve a net-zero emissions target by or around 2050, signalling that commitments are crucial in avoiding the catastrophic effects of climate change, as emphasised by Carlos Fuller, Belize's representative at the United Nations.

"We fought tooth and nail for these numbers," Fuller stated. "They aren't perfect, but they give us a shot at staying within 1.5 degrees Celsius. And that's what we came here to do."

The significance of the agreement lies not only in its environmental impact but also in the recognition of vulnerable nations, particularly those in the Pacific.

 These countries, heavily reliant on shipping for tax revenue, have disproportionately suffered from rising sea levels and intensified cyclones driven by climate change. Their strategy during the negotiations was described as "high risk, high reward," as they fought for a more definitive target of 2050 specifically. Albon Ishoda, the negotiator from the Marshall Islands.