ICS pledges zero emissions by 2050 if measures are taken by government

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents more than 80% of the global shipping industry, has presented a roadmap for reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050, if governments impose levies on shipping fuel in order to fund new low-carbon technologies.

The ICS proposes a 25% reduction by 2030, leading to zero emissions by 2050. It has previously called for a levy of $2 per tonne of shipping fuel as a way of generating $5 billion for technological development.

These proposals were submitted to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN regulatory body, which currently aims to halve carbon dioxide emissions by the same mid-century deadline. This may not be enough to stop temperatures from rising more than 1.5C, which scientists have recommended in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

However, some environmental campaigners have criticised the ICS plan, accusing the organisation of undermining proposals that are already in play.

The ICS previously opposed an extension of the EU emissions trading scheme to cover shipping, which would generate an estimated $70 billion over the next ten years.

The plan has also been accused of focusing overly on carbon dioxide, and neglecting black carbon and methane emissions.

Source: The Guardian