Decarbonization refers to the process of reducing or ultimately removing the carbon dioxide emissions in our atmosphere. This objective is considered to be urgent since it could be the only way out from an unstable climate. 197 nations have pledged, until present time, to gradually reduce their usage of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions in order to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce global warming by 2100 to less than 2 degrees Celsius.
Impact of CO2 Emissions
Carbon dioxide, which accounts for almost 85% of all emissions, is created when natural gas, petroleum, and coal are utilized. Electricity production, transportation, manufacturing, and residential and commercial structures are among the principal users of these fuels.
The rise in carbon dioxide levels produces an excess of greenhouse gases, which trap more heat on earth.This stored heat causes ice caps to melt and ocean levels to rise. These consequences are life threatening and they could lead to several natural disasters if the emissions are not controlled or eliminated.
Decarbonizing The Maritime Sector
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), international shipping contributes to 70% of global shipping energy emission. They also declared that if the international shipping sector were a country, “ it would be the sixth or seventh largest CO2 emitter.” The solution is to use renewable energy in order to decarbonize the sector.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) also raised its concerns regarding the shipping industry emissions and declared in its 2021 review that decarbonization should be achieved in cooperation with governments. The solutions that the UNCTAD suggested are the following:
- Exploring alternative fuels
- Investing in landside infrastructure
- Replacing older vessels with fuel-efficient ships
IRENA also calls for active usage of energy efficiency measures including adopting less polluting equipment and engines as a starting point to reducing CO2 emissions.
The process of deep decarbonization should be treated as an urgent necessity since emissions are severely affecting our environment and resulting in an increase in global temperature and a rise in sea levels.
All Seas Shipping is always aiming towards being energy efficient, contributing to reducing its emissions, and being aligned with international organizations. One of our main work ethics is to invest in strategies and measures to protect the environment, without which we cannot operate.
Sources : https://www.irena.org/DigitalArticles/2021/Oct/Shipping_Sector
