The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction strategy in July 2023, aiming to drastically cut GHG emissions from international shipping. This updated strategy enhances the previous plan, setting more ambitious targets and laying a clearer pathway to decarbonization.
Key Aspects of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy:
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Net-Zero Emissions Goal: The strategy sets a strong ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. This represents a significant commitment to mitigating climate change. [Source: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/Revised-GHG-reduction-strategy-for-global-shipping-adopted-.aspx]
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Short-Term Reduction Targets: A crucial element is the target of reducing total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008 levels. [Source: The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy introduces indicative checkpoints to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping]
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Carbon Intensity Reduction: The strategy also focuses on reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping—lowering CO2 emissions per unit of transport work. [Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/2023-IMO-Strategy-on-Reduction-of-GHG-Emissions-from-Ships.aspx]
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Indicative Checkpoints: The strategy incorporates indicative checkpoints to monitor progress towards the 2030 and 2050 goals, ensuring accountability and transparency. [Source: The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy introduces indicative checkpoints to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping]
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Revised Roadmap: The 2023 strategy represents a revision of the initial IMO GHG strategy, incorporating lessons learned and reflecting the urgency of climate action. [Source: https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Documents/Resolution%20MEPC.377(80).pdf]
While ambitious, some analyses suggest that even this revised strategy may not be sufficient to keep international shipping within the 1.5°C carbon budget. [Source: https://theicct.org/marine-imo-updated-ghg-strategy-jul23/] Nevertheless, it marks a significant step towards decarbonizing a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy provides a framework for member states to work collaboratively towards a cleaner maritime future. [Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/IMO-Strategy-on-reduction-of-GHG-emissions-from-ships.aspx]
