Fiji Sun Online, 24th October 2018
There is a need for increased research in the use of renewable energy in shipping, zero carbon fuels and development of better efficiency ship designs. Pacific Islands Development Forum Secretary General François Martel made the comment during the 72nd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC72) talanoa session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Suva in June.
“While the meeting was a success by the IMO and its members; in a nutshell, after lots of deliberations and posturing, the meeting agreed to reduce shipping emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2050 compared to 2008 levels,” Mr Martel said.
The Pacific countries with other climate ambitious nations had wanted a 70 – 100 per cent reduction by 2050. “This outcome, though less ambitious than what the Pacific would have liked, and what we need to save our Pacific peoples and their livelihoods, is a step in the right direction,” he said.
“It sends a signal to the industry that they need to make the changes necessary to move the maritime shipping sector towards eventual zero emissions.