The global shipping industry has faced challenges in becoming more environmentally friendly. Three and a half years ago, regulations were implemented to reduce sulfur emissions from ships, resulting in cleaner air and preventing premature deaths. However, some scientists argue that these regulations have unintended consequences, such as warmer sea temperatures, marine life death, and more powerful hurricanes. Identifying cause and effect in climate change can be complex, with various factors affecting sea temperature. Despite concerns, reducing sulfur emissions has significant health and environmental benefits like preventing acid rain and ocean acidification.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented the 2020 Sulfur Rule, reducing allowable sulfur content in marine fuels. This regulation is expected to prevent over half a million premature deaths by 2025. However, it may have contributed to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic and marine heatwaves in the Mediterranean. The impact of ship emissions on Atlantic temperatures is difficult to estimate due to other factors like Saharan dust and Canadian wildfires. Overall, the global ocean has absorbed 90% of recent warming caused by greenhouse gases, with shipping contributing a significant portion of these emissions.
The IMO has set new reduction targets and is working on rules to change shipper behavior. Additionally, the European Union plans to include shipping in its emissions trading system. However, debates on the industry’s environmental impact will likely focus on how “green” new rules and practices really are. Ultimately, the question will be whether these measures are sufficient in achieving a net-zero emissions future.
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