New policy instruments needed for shipping

A Swedish research project called “Carrots and whips in shipping to achieve environmental quality goals” has analysed which policy instruments and measures are most cost-effective to reduce ship emissions into the air. The study focussed on the impact of ship emissions on four of the Swedish environmental quality targets related to air pollution as well as on the IMO’s climate goals. Analyses of new emission scenarios up to 2030 and 2045 showed that the environmental targets for shipping emissions will not be reached with current legislation. Even the most optimistic scenarios with relatively large changes in the shipping fuel mix are not expected to lead to the attainment of the climate targets.

In the case of greenhouse gas reduction, the researchers propose to include shipping in the EU’s emissions trading system (ETS) or a similar global system. Speed reduction is another suggestion. To reduce NOx emissions, a (Northern) European NOx fund that provides incentives for investments is proposed. Using electricity for the propulsion of ships and for onshore power in ports can be societally profitable, according to the analysis.

“We also recommend more research and development on different types of renewable fuels as well as policy instruments to promote the production of such fuels,” said lead author Inge Vierth, at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).

The main report “Policies and measures to reduce air emissions from shipping”, VTI notat 24A-2019, is available at: www.vti.se/en/publications

In this issue

Europe can be climate neutral by 2040 with solar and wind power

According to a new study, conducted by Finland’s LUT University and SolarPower Europe, Europe’s energy system could be fully renewable by 2040 in a “leadership scenario”, or by 2050 in a “moderate scenario”.

Editorial

The offshore wind industry has developed rapidly over the last 10 years. The technology has never had such a high output capacity, lower prices or a higher coexistence potential. The European Commission is to present a new strategy on offshore renewable energy which will be published in October as part of the European Green Deal.

CCS is not needed – new production methods can reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions

The real issue is not technology nor economics, but creating incentives to make industry green without using CCS.

Trump weakens US air pollution control

Over a period of only three weeks, the Trump administration has eroded the basis for air pollution control in coal-fired power plants, declined to strengthen air quality standards, and finalised a rollback of vehicle fuel efficiency standards.

Offshore wind energy development in the Baltic sea must accelerate

One of the areas with high wind power potential but a low proportion of offshore wind farms is the Baltic Sea

Short-term benefits of coal phase-out outweigh costs

Shutting down coal power plants is necessary to halt global warming and would have net benefits even in the short term, once health and environmental impacts are factored in.

Recurring extreme climate events are devastating to coral reefs

In the last five years, there have been three severe marine heatwaves that have caused significant bleaching of corals at the Great Barrier Reef.

Switching from coal to fossil gas is not an option

The European Commission wants to finance 32 fossil gas infrastructure projects, but finds it increasingly hard to present this as compatible with Paris. And the Corona crisis demonstrates that Europe can manage with much more renewables and less of both coal and gas.

New policy instruments needed for shipping

In this issue

Europe can be climate neutral by 2040 with solar and wind power

Editorial

CCS is not needed – new production methods can reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions

Trump weakens US air pollution control

Offshore wind energy development in the Baltic sea must accelerate

Short-term benefits of coal phase-out outweigh costs

Recurring extreme climate events are devastating to coral reefs

Switching from coal to fossil gas is not an option

In Breif

A fair comparison of organic and conventional farming requires improved methods

International Day of Clean Air

EEA Air Quality Viewer

Air pollution shortens life by 3 years worldwide

World’s most polluted cities ranked

Dutch measures to cut emissions after court ruling

Domestic coal and wet wood to be banned

Electric cars emit less CO₂

Can hydrogen replace ship fuel oil?

The role of soil carbon in mitigating climate change

A 30-year-long study found organic farming to outperform conventional

California moving towards zero-emission trucks

New policy instruments needed for shipping

Luxembourg first country to make public transport free

Shipping in the EU ETS?

Publications

Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Collaborative-Learning project

Air pollution in Europe and children’s health

No further discussion needed

Fossil-free electricity 2021

Emissions trading system for road transport and buildings in the policy mix for achieving climate neutrality in the EU.

Extreme high temperatures

1.5°C Pathways for the EU27: accelerating climate action to deliver the Paris Agreement

1.5°C Pathways for the Council of Europe: accelerating climate action to deliver the Paris Agreement

Failing to achieve 1.5°C puts a huge economic burden on our (grand)children

Policy implications of Europe’s dwindling carbon budget

The EU too must revisit its 2030 climate pledge (NDC ) as -55% is not compatible with 1.5°C

Making the EU ETS and ESR legislation compatible with the Paris Agreement

What we do

Air pollution

Climate Change

Policy initiatives

Do Your Bit!