Graceful cruise ships and giant container boats look so serene as they glide across the ocean. We may occasionally glimpse a puff of smoke, but most times it is as if they were running on giant batteries. But the opposite is true. Their diesel motors and gas turbines are immense and pour out a steady stream of pollution. How is international shipping getting away with this?
The Damage International Shipping Causes Our Environment
Scientists suspect international shipping could contribute 20% of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. Two factors are driving this: emissions are coming down elsewhere, and the number of ships is growing fast.
However – and this is the problem – this pollution occurs in international waters where there is little governance. Moreover, the ships may be on the registers of third party countries that rely on the income. The International Maritime Organization in London is trying to get shipping to clean up its act. However, maritime nations are resisting by following the lead taken by Argentina, Brazil, India, Panama, and Saudi Arabia.
What, If Anything Can We Do About This Problem
The long-term solution to marine propulsion lies in the energy of the sun, the power of the wind, and the restlessly moving water flowing past. But, we are not there yet. We need an interim solution in the form of a cap on international shipping emissions.
Argentina, Brazil, India, Panama, and Saudi Arabia believe this will restrict trade, or “force goods on to less efficient forms of transport”. They point out they are far away from their markets. Others say greener shipping will benefit them, because more efficient engines will save on fuel costs.
We agree with the International Maritime Organization. The Paris temperature goals are absolute objectives. “They are not conditional on whether the global economy thinks they are achievable or not.” However, it seems we face a long struggle, far out in the sea where nobody else goes.
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