GHGs EMISSIONS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping have increased by 20% over the past decade.

Key Points 

• The shipping industry is responsible for nearly three percent of global GHG emissions and handles over 80% of the world's trade volume.
• The sector is grappling with the challenge of transitioning to alternative fuels since 98.8% of the global fleet continues to rely on conventional fuels.
• Only 1.2% of vessels use alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), battery/hybrid, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and methanol.
• To combat emissions, the International Maritime Organization has established a goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by approximately 2050.
• Additionally, it aims to ensure that zero or near-zero GHG fuels constitute at least five percent of the energy used in international shipping by 2030.

UNCTAD

• Establishment: In 1964.
• Aim: To promote development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.
• Headquarters: Geneva in Switzerland.
• Reports Published by: Trade and Development Report, World Investment Report, The Least Developed Countries Report, Information and Economy Report, Technology and Innovation Report, and Commodities and Development Report.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

• About: A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits infrared radiation. 
• They absorb infrared energy (heat energy) emitted from the earth’s surface and reradiate it back to the earth’s surface. 
• Most abundant greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere: Water vapour, Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Ozone, Chlorofluorocarbons, Hydrofluorocarbons.
• Other GHGs: Carbon monoxide, fluorinated gases, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), black carbon (soot), and brown carbon.