Speaker
Description
Until the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) (Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, Ozone) in the atmosphere was quite constant; then human activities – such as burning of fossil fuels, industrial operations and deforestation – increased their concentrations, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect. According to the majority of the climate scientists, the warming observed since mid-20th century is mainly caused by human influence and there is a tight link between GHG pollution and global warming.
Recognizing the far-reaching and long-lasting consequences of the global warming for the planet, intense international debates at all levels take place to find possible responses to mitigate GHG emissions and reduce global warming effects.
The paper will present the high-level goals agreed at the UN Climate Changes Conferences (e.g. COP21 (Paris Agreement) and COP26) that boosted the discussion in important maritime fora and will critically review the new important and significant regulatory measures taken by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European institutions and their impact on the maritime transport.
It will cover the IMO already adopted short-term measures (i.e. EEXI and CII) and the medium and long-term ones currently under discussion, such as carbon levy, life-cycle assessment and market-based measures.
A view on the very demanding climate targets in the EU for 2030 and 2050 (set by the European Climate Law adopted in June 2021) and the so-called “Fit for 55% Package” included in the legislative proposals to meet the 2030 objectives, will also complete the picture.
