Greenpeace reaction to IMO shipping emissions strategy

7 July, London, UK – Responding to the UN International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) announcement of new greenhouse gas reduction targets for the global shipping industry, Greenpeace UK’s Policy Director Dr Doug Parr said:

“Pollution from shipping isn’t the elephant in the room, it’s the whale in the bathtub. For too long the sector has operated out of sight on a carbon reduction timetable that would be laughable if we weren’t in a devastating climate emergency.

“The more ambitious target for cutting emissions close to 2050 should be welcomed, but it’s still too weak and the measures being proposed seem unlikely to deliver even the feeble indicator levels for the next few decades. It’s outrageous that IMO members still do not have in place substantive measures like fuel standards or a carbon levy. Without incentives and rules any improved emissions targets agreed are entirely dependent on the benevolence of individual companies and nations.

“Relying on goodwill to deliver vague aspirations has not delivered results so far, and the climate emergency will not wait on the convenience of the shipping industry.”