So let’s talk about a Clean Arctic Alliance!

LONDON — As a meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 6) closed in London.

So the Clean Arctic Alliance welcomes progress but calls on Arctic Nations Russia and Canada to step-up. More importantly to step-up and assume their responsibilities to add and support a ban on heavy fuel oil (HFO). HFO from use by Arctic. Oil for shipping and for Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the United States. All who most noteworthy already support the ban.

So therefore to stay focused on ensuring it adoption in 2021, and phased in by 2023.

HFO BAN

During PPR 6, IMO Member States finalized a method for assessing the impact of a HFO ban on Arctic ecosystems. Especially on indigenous local communities and economies, and commenced the work needed to define what types of fuel is banned and how they are banned. As well as considering how to cut the risks of HFO in the Arctic. Because PPR 6 also addressed black carbon emissions from shipping that impact the Arctic.

Furthermore and finalized a list of ways that emissions. All which produced by burning oil-based fuels, including HFO, can be reduced. There was, however, no prioritization of the most effective measures. Finally and further consideration of emissions of black carbon will now be discussed at MEPC74 in May 2019.

In addition to the usual country delegates, industry and environmental observers is the world! In conclusion, PPR 6 also heard from the voices of representatives of indigenous Arctic communities. All who moreover would be most directly affected by a spill of HFO. Finally and as well as by any increases in costs as a result of a HFO ban.

“The world must listen to the Arctic Indigenous Peoples who have known and lived in this region for thousands of years,” said Verner Wilson. Verner is the Senior Oceans Campaigner for Friends of the Earth and a member of the Curyung Tribe in Dillingham, Alaska.