Secretary-General: World in Dangerous Waters on Climate, Stressing Their Decisions Could Steer to Safer Future

Humanity is in dangerous waters on climate.  But, the decisions you take over the coming days could help us chart a safer course.

Science tells us it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.  But, it requires an immense and immediate global effort.  And shipping, which accounts for almost 3 per cent of global emissions, will be vital.

The industry has seen some progress.  But, it must move much faster to get on track and drive investment and innovation.

I urge you to leave London having agreed a Greenhouse Gas Strategy that commits the sector to net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest; and that includes ambitious science-based targets starting in 2030 -- both on absolute emissions reductions and the use of clean fuels.

These must include all greenhouse-gas emissions and cover the whole value chain.  Such targets will provide the certainty that the industry and investors need.  I also urge you to commit to developing technical and economic policies and regulations to deliver on these targets and support a just, equitable transition.

Measures, such as carbon pricing will push the industry in the right direction by making zero-emission fuels more competitive, while the finance generated can support the just transition in developing countries and address the needs of those most vulnerable to the climate crisis.

I look forward to welcoming leaders from Government and business, including shipping, to the Climate Ambition Summit I am holding in September to present credible, concrete action to keep 1.5°C alive.

This meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee is a chance to steer us towards a clean, prosperous future for the industry and a safer future for humanity.  I urge you to take it.  Thank you.

[END]

Download the video

More information about the session can be found here: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/PREVIEW-MEPC-80-3-7-July-2023.aspx