Arctic 'dirty fuel' ban for ships comes into force
A ban on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in Arctic waters aims to reduce black carbon emissions accelerating ice melting. Loopholes allow HFO use until 2029, impacting 74% of users. Environmentalists push for alternatives and stricter enforcement.
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A ban on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), the dirtiest and most climate-damaging fuel for ships, has been implemented in Arctic waters. HFO emits black carbon that accelerates snow and ice melting in the Arctic. Despite the ban, loopholes will allow most ships to continue using HFO until 2029. HFO poses a significant threat to Arctic ecosystems due to its difficulty to clean up and its impact on climate change. The ban exempts ships with "protected fuel tanks" and allows Arctic-bordering countries to exempt their ships until 2029, affecting about 74% of HFO users. Environmentalists advocate for alternative fuels and stricter enforcement, citing Norway's successful ban around the Svalbard archipelago. Concerns remain about potential increases in HFO usage due to oil and gas extraction in the Arctic. Urgent action is needed to reduce black carbon emissions and restrict HFO use to mitigate the Arctic's environmental challenges.
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1 commentsSurprised I haven't heard more about it as it seems like it could have huge implications for climate change.
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