Tristan Smith

The (low-carbon) shipping forecast: opportunities on the high seas

As the years pass by, the uncomfortable but inescapable evidence that climate negotiations have failed to even curb the rate in growth of energy-related CO2 becomes ever stronger. Taking the latest estimates from the International Energy Agency, CO2 emissions grew at 6 and 3% in 2010 and 2011, respectively, despite many of the wealthier nations individually experiencing lower growth or even reductions in emissions in absolute terms driven by the economic downturn (Figure 1) [1]. Coupling these rising emissions with trends over the past decade paints an alarming picture when contrasted with what is required to give a reasonable chance of avoiding ?dangerous interference with the climate system? associated with a global temperature increase of 2�C above preindustrial levels; a point succinctly stressed in Anderson and Bows? contribution to this mini focus issue of Carbon Management [2]. It is unsurprising, then, that the slow pace and absence of any real and binding commitment to addressing this global challenge through the ongoing negotiations trickles down to influence the response at national or sectoral levels.

Workshop Report: Nordic Action for a Transformation to Low-carbon Shipping

The Paris Agreement aims to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels (and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C), but does not refer specifica ...