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Ships Speeding Arctic Melt: Black Carbon Crisis
9 Feb
Summary
- Ship soot accelerates Arctic ice melt by absorbing sunlight.
- International regulators consider stricter 'polar fuel' rules.
- Black carbon's warming impact is 1,600 times CO2's over 20 years.
Rising global temperatures are causing Arctic sea ice to melt at an accelerated rate, leading to increased ship traffic on previously impassable routes. However, this boom comes at a significant environmental cost as black carbon, or soot, emitted by ships is making the ice melt even faster.
Glaciers and ice covered in this soot reflect less sunlight, absorbing more heat and contributing to the Arctic being the fastest-warming region on Earth. This melting can subsequently affect global weather patterns, creating a cycle of increased warming.
In response, several countries have proposed that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandate the use of 'polar fuels' for ships in Arctic waters. These cleaner fuels emit less pollution than traditional residual fuels and would apply to all ships traveling north of the 60th parallel. The proposal is under consideration by IMO committees this week and in April.
