Ports for People Initiative Supports Zero-emission Efforts

Pacific Environment’s Ports for People campaign announced on Monday, Nov. 21, the launch of a new initiative to evaluate port progress towards zero-emission shipping through its P4P RePORT Cards.

According to the organization, the P4P RePORT Cards aim to “hold ports accountable for shipping emissions” as well as boost direction towards zero-emission ports and shipping by 2040.

Pacific Environment chose 15 ports among the world’s top 50 container ports and other key ports in regions worldwide for its inaugural P4P RePORT Cards. It is said that the campaign will expand its reach to port communities around the globe.

It will also encourage ports to speed up the transition to zero-emission shipping by 2040 with smart policies and progress recommendations from the organization’s Ports Playbook for Zero-Emission Shipping.

The organization believes that ports are “hotspots of shipping’s fossil fuel pollution and climate-warming emissions” as much as it serves as the gateways for global trade and development.

Pacific Environment emphasized that by leveraging port state authority and economic power, as well as collaborating with government partners and industry stakeholders, ports can “play a leadership role in catalyzing the zero-emission ocean shipping transition this decade — and beyond.”

Meanwhile, the organization noted that ocean shipping emits 1 billion metric tons of CO2 every year and with its current trajectory, they believe that maritime trade could grow by as much as 150% by 2050.

“Absent swift action to decarbonize the industry, shipping emissions will derail concerted efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve the goals set forth by the Paris Agreement,” it said.

In addition to this, during World Maritime Day this year, with the theme, “New Technologies for Greener Shipping”, the United Nations (UN) highlighted the need for a greener solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment, and align with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said emissions from shipping are “projected to grow considerably” if no action is made. He urged the governments and private companies to work together for the development of innovative technologies that enrich a “just transition” that includes developing countries as well as support renewable energy and alternative fuels.

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