Global organizations finalize landmark deal that could redefine shipping and trade: 'Would represent a huge moment of solidarity'

Green energy enthusiasts around the world witnessed a historic breakthrough that puts the international shipping industry on course for a cleaner, greener future, though not all parties involved are satisfied with the results.

On April 11, the International Maritime Organization finalized a deal that commits the global shipping industry to achieving net-zero heat-trapping gas emissions by 2050, and it will be formally adopted in October.

This agreement was in the works for years. Originally, the IMO, which is a special agency of the United Nations, pushed for 20-30% cuts in emissions by 2030. This new agreement is set to build on the previous one. In terms of how these changes will roll out over the next two and a half decades, the IMO is calling for shipping companies to strive for "10% zero or near-zero" emissions for ships by 2030, according to Climate Home News.

Emma Fenton, senior director for climate diplomacy at Opportunity Green, said in a statement that she was nonetheless disappointed by the final measures of the agreement.

"The IMO has made an historic decision, yet ultimately one that fails climate vulnerable countries and falls short of both the ambition the climate crisis demands and that member states committed to, just 2 years ago," Fenton said.

"The weak measure approved ... will neither ensure sufficient emissions reductions, nor raise the revenues needed for a just and equitable transition. The IMO has turned down this historic opportunity to champion the perseverance, leadership, and ambition of climate vulnerable states, amongst them Pacific Islands, Caribbean and African states, who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. That many of these countries abstained from the vote shows the measures are far from what was needed to address the crisis."

The global shipping industry is responsible for a whopping 3% of all heat-trapping gas pollution, so the agreement remains a step toward a cleaner future, even if Fenton and others say it falls short of more ideal targets.

"The IMO has passed up on a unique opportunity to guarantee the shipping industry's long-term resilience and help it fulfil its climate ambitions," said Aoife O'Leary, founder of the SASHA Coalition, which advocates for the use of green hydrogen (hydrogen produced with electricity generated by renewable sources) in the aviation and shipping sectors.

"The sector's only credible path to net zero that doesn't compromise biodiversity is green hydrogen e-fuels. IMO measures could have delivered the incentives needed to jumpstart the transition to these fuels, creating the enabling regulatory environment to derisk investment and unlock much-needed finances to scale production. Instead, delegates have agreed a measure that may lock in the use of environmentally destructive biofuels and LNG."

Cleaner ships equal reduced air pollution, healthier oceans, and a more resilient global supply chain. Global heating and the rising average temperatures on Earth will no doubt be positively impacted with these emissions eliminated.

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For the everyday consumer, this change could lead to long-term stability in shipping costs and increase investment in clean energy technologies.

Increased investment in renewable fuels and technology in the coming years could also lead to more job opportunities in the shipping industry as countries look to meet the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

"The only response now is to double down on our determination. States must work hard to remedy the situation we are left with today, both nationally and regionally. This is not the end, and we must look to the future to ensure ambition is raised and a just and equitable transition is guaranteed."

Arsenio Dominguez, IMO secretary-general, noted, "The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments."

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