Archived press release

IMO must stop turning a blind eye to shipping emissions

13 July 2009

***Pictures available***

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) must stop turning a blind eye to climate change and take urgent action to reduce emissions from international shipping, Friends of the Earth said today.

The call coincides with the opening day of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting at the IMO headquarters in London [2] - their final meeting before crucial international climate negotiations take place in Copenhagen in December.

Emissions from international shipping - along with those from international aviation - were left out of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol climate treaty. However, its contribution to global climate change was recognised, and responsibility for tackling emissions from shipping was assigned to the IMO.

Despite claiming to be "energetically pursuing the limitation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping operations" [3] the IMO has so far done little to cut emissions from ships.

Global shipping emissions have risen by 85 per cent since 1990 - and by almost 50 per cent since 1997 alone - and now account for more than three per cent of annual global emissions, more than the entire UK economy. Yet a recent IMO study predicts that 20 per cent emissions cuts are possible by 2020 at no cost to shipping operators [4].

Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"The International Maritime Organisation is turning a blind eye to climate change.

"Emissions from shipping have soared in recent years despite their promises to tackle the problem.

"The IMO must play its part in turning the tide of soaring carbon dioxide emissions - and the international community must do more to force the shipping industry to get on board with international efforts to combat global warming.

"We need a strong and fair agreement at the UN talks in Copenhagen later this year if we are to avoid climate catastrophe - and every industry must play its part."

Friends of the Earth is calling for the shipping industry to play its part in tackling climate change, the biggest threat the planet faces, and is calling for the IMO to agree to:
• Introduce tough mandatory design efficiency standards for new
ships - a recent IMO study found that improved shipping technology could reduce emissions by up to 50 per cent [5];
• Introduce mandatory operational standards - such as reducing
speeds, optimising routes and driving techniques. The IMO study found that these could also lead to substantial cuts in emissions [6];
• Introduce an international levy on maritime fuel to encourage more
efficient use of fuel. Revenues from the levy should be used to fund adaption to climate change in developing countries [7].

Friends of the Earth is also calling on the international community to ensure that at the UN talks in December, the IMO is compelled to act rapidly to reduce shipping emissions.

Full sized pictures available - please contact us on 0207 566 1649

• Admiral Nelson joined Friends of the Earth outside the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) HQ in central London today to highlight that the organisation is turning a blind eye to climate change. He unveiled a banner reading "IMO: Turning a blind eye to climate change" by the bow of the large ship statue outside the building as delegates arrived for a marine protection meeting [1]. Photos also available from Friends of the Earth's press office 020 7566 1649.

Notes to editors
1. Admiral Nelson famously lifted his telescope up to his blind eye so that he wouldn't be able to see a signal ordering his forces to withdraw at the battle of Copenhagen in 1801.
2. MEPC59 takes place at IMO HQ, London from 13th - 18th July.
3. http://www.imo.org/About/mainframe.asp?topic_id=774#climate
4. Emissions stats and marginal cost abatement analysis from 2009 IMO
study "Prevention of air pollution from ships" http://www.seas-at- risk.org/1mages/MEPC%2059-INF.10%20(The%20Second%20IMO%20GHG%20Study%202009).pdf
5. A shipping efficiency index will be discussed at MEPC59. The 2009 IMO study found 10-50 per cent emissions reductions possible from technological improvements.
6. A shipping operations index will be discussed at MEPC59. The 2009 IMO study found 10-50 per cent emissions reductions possible from operational changes like slower steaming speeds.
7. The proposed levy would be charged on all maritime fuel loaded and paid into the UN adaption fund used to fund adaption to climate change in developing countries.
8. A briefing on shipping emissions is available from Friends of the Earth on request.
9. Friends of the Earth is part of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world's poorest communities. The coalition's supporter base of more than 11 million people spans over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith, community and women's groups. Together we demand practical action by the UK to keep temperatures well below an average 2 degree rise. For further information visit www.stopclimatechaos.org.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust