Arctic European Report

A new report from the European Environment Agency shows how Europe affects the Arctic environment, which is warming at a rate of almost twice the global average, and how changes in the region impact Europe in return. 

Arctic heavy fuel oil to be discussed at International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) runs in London from 3^rd – 7^th July. Canada, backed by Finland, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway and the United States, has submitted a proposal to the MEPC calling for work to begin to develop measures that mitigate the risks from the use and carriage of HFO as ships’ fuel in the Arctic. This follows the recent adoption of the European Parliament’s Arctic Resolution which amongst other things, calls for a ban on the use of HFO in Arctic waters.

“With climate change already having enormous impacts on the Arctic region, the Clean Arctic Alliance is calling on IMO member states to support Canada’s proposal, and commence work immediately to reduce the risks posed by the use of heavy fuel oil by shipping in Arctic waters”, said Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of international non-profit organisations working for an Arctic phase-out of HFO. IMO members must also commit to complying with any subsequent measures taken to reduce risks from HFO, including a ban on its use in the Arctic”.

The Clean Arctic Alliance have launched an Arctic Commitment to demonstrate support for phasing out use of heavy fuel oil in the Arctic  http://www.hfofreearctic.org/en/arctic-commitment/

Dave Walsh – Communications Advisor, Clean Arctic Alliance   dave.walsh@hfofreearctic.org

http://www.hfofreearctic.org/    http://www.twitter.com/hfofreearctic