From the Experts
Shipping’s role was discussed during recent climate talks
Last week,
UNFCCC’s COP24 took place in Katowice, Poland, the most significant climate change summit since the 2015 Paris Agreement.
After the IMO's landmark greenhouse gas agreement in April, shipping has risen up the agenda at the UN, and the future of shipping and trade between carbon neutral economies was hotly debated over the course of two weeks.
The COP24 event hosted a handful of shipping-focused events. One of them was focused on achieving IMO GHG reduction objectives in terms of fossil fuels, climate change and economic development, while the other saw high-level speakers from South Pacific governments, the European Commission, IMF and the World Bank Group debate the role of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in transforming maritime transport.
These are some of the highlights from the COP24 talks.
The world’s people have spoken. Their message is clear. Time is running out. They want you, the decision makers, to act now. They are behind you, along with civil society represented here today. Supporting you in making tough decisions but also willing to make sacrifices in their daily lives.
Sir David Attenborough
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I’m calling on all US Maritime Unions and all world-wide dockers’ unions affiliated with the International Dockers’ Council (IDC) to condemn and reject the ITF for taking this defeatist position that will spell the end of longshore jobs within 10 years.
Shipping plays a vital role underpinning global trade, linking together economies that are themselves decarbonising. As well as shipping, heavy industry and aviation will also require zero-carbon fuels to reach this target. Therefore learning and dialogue across industries will help each sector decarbonise. France's national hydrogen plan adopted this year includes a maritime sector plan, and is a key part of our approach to tackling climate change.
Nicolas Udrea, Chargé de mission d’Affaires Internationale, France
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Japanese shipping companies are among the most innovative in the world, and are already making progress in improved efficiency and reducing emissions. Japan's shipyards are responding to demand for cleaner, greener vessels, and will continue to do so as the sector pursues the IMO's greenhouse gas targets.
Kohei Iwaki, Maritime Bureau, Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
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