The world’s most polluting fuel has been banned from the Arctic, but still in use - here’s why

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Despite an International Maritime Organization (IMO) ban, heavy fuel oil (HFO) will still be used by many ships in Arctic waters for up to five more years due to exemptions and waivers
• The ban, effective today, aims to protect the Arctic's sensitive environment from the polluting marine fuel

🔭 The context: Heavy fuel oil, which makes up 80% of marine fuel globally, has been banned in Antarctica for over a decade and in parts of the Arctic since 2022
• However, around 75% of marine fuel carried in the Arctic is still HFO, raising concerns about ongoing environmental impacts

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: HFO emissions, particularly black carbon particles, exacerbate global warming by reducing the reflectivity of Arctic ice
• Additionally, HFO spills are extremely difficult to clean up in cold Arctic waters, posing significant threats to local wildlife and ecosystems

⏭️ What's next: Countries like Russia and Canada may continue using HFO under exemptions, while some nations like Finland plan to enforce the ban strictly
• Continuous monitoring and stricter regulations will be crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of HFO in the Arctic

💬 One quote: “A better term might be, a 'climate adaptation zone',” says Julie Arbit, highlighting the need for infrastructure adaptation rather than mere marketing

📈 One stat: Clean Arctic Alliance reports that black carbon emissions from shipping increased by 85% between 2015 and 2019, and the IMO ban will only reduce this by 5%

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