Does the reduction of sulfur oxide emissions from the maritime sector contribute to accelerating global warming? The new heat record set in January surprised scientists, some of whom suggest that the implementation of a new standard in maritime transport in 2020 could be a possible explanation. James Hansen, former chief climatologist at NASA and now a dissident and isolated voice within the scientific community, even stated in a study published on Tuesday that the effects of this reduction in sulfur oxide emissions on the climate have been minimized by the scientific community.
What standard are we talking about?
Since January 1, 2020, cruise ships, container ships, bulk carriers, and oil tankers navigating the oceans must use fuel with a sulfur content not exceeding 0.5%, compared to 3.5% previously.
Even stricter restrictions were already in place in certain « Emission Control Areas (ECA), » such as the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the North American zone, and the U.S. Caribbean maritime zone.
This rule was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency responsible for maritime issues and sector regulation.
Sulfur aerosols are responsible for numerous health problems, such as strokes, lung diseases, and cardiovascular issues.
Source: Brut.
