Tightened Regulations May Reduce Ship Pollution in the Near Future.

A recent study explored the climate impacts of the global reduction in sulphur emissions from ships starting in 2020, finding that this regulation has led to a decrease in the amount of light being reflected back into space. Shipping, a vital component of international trade with nearly 100,000 large ships in operation, has historically burned dirty, sulphur-rich fuel, emitting harmful gases and aerosols. These emissions have increased the presence of sulfur aerosols over the ocean, leading to cloud formation and increased reflectivity, ultimately cooling the planet.

While the reduction in sulphur emissions post-IMO2020 has improved air quality, it has also accelerated global warming, as less light is being reflected back into space. The study suggests that while the shipping regulation has had an impact on temperatures, it cannot fully explain the record warmth observed in recent years. Dr. Mingxi Yang, the lead author of the study, emphasized the need for further research to understand the full impact of these regulations on climate and to refine existing models.

The IMO2020 regulations inadvertently acted as a form of solar geoengineering, causing warming instead of cooling. While the reduction in sulphur emissions likely contributed to extreme temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere in 2023, other factors such as natural climate events also played a role. The study, conducted by an international team of scientists, highlights the complex relationship between shipping emissions, climate change, and the need for continued research to better understand these interactions.

Source