KEY FINDINGS
• Despite efficiency improvements, CO2 emissions from international shipping are projected to be two to five times higher in 2050 than in 1990. At the Paris climate conference, countries agreed to limit climate change to well below 2°C. Without considerable contributions of the shipping sector to global mitigation efforts, this goal will be much harder to achieve.
• The main issue at stake at MEPC 72 is the adoption of the Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. MEPC 72 will be preceded by a weeklong meeting of the GHG Working Group (ISWG GHG 3) that will discuss issues relating to the Initial Strategy with a view to agreeing upon and submitting a draft decision text for adoption at MEPC 72.
• Other issues relevant to GHG reduction from international shipping include updates on the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Data Collection System (DCS) as well as a agreeing on a Mandate for the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) to begin work on measures for reducing the risk of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) spills in the Arctic area.
• It is recommended that the ENVI delegation uses opportunities such as bilateral meetings with delegations from other countries, informal conversations or the side events to discuss the importance of emission reductions in the maritime sector including the pros and cons of regional measures.