International shipping emissions increased

Latest Context:

Recently, a report from UNCTAD, a United Nations group, titled "UNCTAD’s 2023 Maritime Transport Report," informed us that pollution from large ships, which transport goods between countries, has increased by 20% over the past decade.

Key Findings of the Report:  

• Need for Decarbonization: The report emphasizes the urgent need for the shipping industry to become more environmentally friendly and reduce its carbon emissions.
• Shipping's Global Impact: It points out that the shipping industry plays a significant role in global trade, accounting for more than 80% of the goods we trade worldwide. However, it's also responsible for nearly 3% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
• Economic Factors: The report notes that in 2022, the trade of oil and gas increased, and the cost of shipping these products went up, partly due to geopolitical events.
• Fuel Usage: Almost all ships, about 98.8%, still use traditional fuels like heavy fuel oil, light fuel oil, and diesel/gas oil, which are not environmentally friendly. Only a small percentage, 1.2%, use cleaner alternative fuels like LNG, battery/hybrid systems, LPG, and methanol.

Recommendations:

• The report suggests enabling a smoother transition to cleaner fuels and promoting equitable decarbonization efforts.
• Assessing the preparedness and availability of alternative fuels and vessel designs is crucial.
• Investment in enhancing port efficiency and performance is vital for reducing emissions.

Additional Efforts to Combat Emissions

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is committed to achieving net-zero GHG emissions by around 2050.
• By 2030, the IMO aims for at least 5-10% utilization of zero or near-zero GHG fuels.
• The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is driving the adoption of sustainable marine fuels.
• The MARPOL Treaty, under the auspices of the IMO, is a critical legal instrument governing international shipping.

Additional Information:

• UNCTAD: UNCTAD, or the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. Its primary objective is to promote trade and development, particularly in developing countries.
• IMO: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations agency focused on regulating shipping activities worldwide. Its primary goal is to promote the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
• The MARPOL Treaty: The MARPOL Treaty, or the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is a global agreement focused on reducing pollution caused by ships. It establishes rules and guidelines to minimize various forms of marine pollution, such as oil spills and waste discharge, to safeguard the marine environment and human well-being.

Question: According to the UNCTAD's 2023 Maritime Transport Report, what percentage of global trade volume does the shipping industry account for, and what percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions does it contribute to?

A) Over 90% of global trade volume and nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions

B) Over 70% of global trade volume and nearly 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions

C) Over 80% of global trade volume and nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions

D) Over 60% of global trade volume and nearly 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Correct Answer: C) Over 80% of global trade volume and nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Explanation: The UNCTAD's 2023 Maritime Transport Report states that the shipping industry accounts for over 80% of global trade volume and nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

  Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi