MEPC 80: IMO’s revised GHG strategy not Paris-aligned - GMF

The final draft of the IMO’s revised greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions strategy covers “aims to achieve net-zero emissions by or around 2050."

PHOTO: The IMO's 80th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting at IMO HQ this week. IMO

The final text of the revised strategy also includes indicative checkpoints for emissions reductions by 2030 and 2040, Global Maritime Forum’s chief executive Johannah Christensen says.

Calling it a “remarkable improvement” from the initial GHG strategy that aimed at halving emissions by 2050, she says the revised strategy will send “an important signal to governments and industry.”

However, the revised strategy draft falls short of providing “the necessary clarity and strong commitments for a just and equitable Paris Agreement-aligned transition,” she adds.

The GMF and its flagship Getting to Zero Coalition believes that as a next logical step the IMO should now develop policies to align shipping with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

“The IMO must develop ambitious and rigorous policy measures, for example, introduce a levy on the emissions, to more closely align the shipping industry with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and create attractive incentives for companies to invest in zero-emission fuels and vessels.”

Christensen argues that the shipping industry is prepared to decarbonise fully and is already taking steps towards that.

By Shilpa Sharma

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