The Australian Government today joined other nations at the COP27 launch of a global pledge to improve shipping industry emissions.
More than a billion tonnes of CO2 are emitted each year by seaborne ships, which rely on low-grade bunker fuel, accounting for almost 3% of all carbon emitted by humankind.
Australia signed up to the Green Shipping Challenge at COP27 after being invited to join by US President Joe Biden at the Major Economies Forum in June. Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy attended today’s launch hosted by Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Australia was working with other nations to improve global maritime emissions.
‘Emissions from the shipping sector are on an upward trajectory which is at odds with the goals of the Paris Agreement,’ Minister Bowen said.
‘One of the actions Australia is taking is to sign a Green Economy Agreement with Singapore that includes measures to implement green shipping corridors using technology to decarbonise the sector.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the challenge was a breakthrough for global transport.
‘I look forward to ramping up this action to reduce our own shipping emissions,’ Minister King said.
Joint media release: Australia rises to Green Shipping Challenge at COP27
