(NEWS) Exploring the Future of Shipping at the Biodiversity and Climate Nexus

May

2024

Exploring the Future of Shipping at the Biodiversity and Climate Nexus

From 13- 15 May, the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted a cross-disciplinary workshop entitled The Future of Shipping at the Biodiversity and Climate Nexus. Funded by the VELUX Fonden and Oceans5, the workshop specifically focused on impacts not currently addressed in existing conventions and regulatory frameworks such as collisions, underwater noise, new routes, contaminants and green/emerging fuels.

The international shipping sector is essential to the global economy, however, adverse impacts include biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. The workshop brought together scientists, maritime experts, and representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), industry, and civil society to discuss opportunities for science, policy, new technology, regulations, capacity building and area based management to manage the impacts of shipping. Participants explored the possibilities for science, technology, naval architecture, capacity building, and governance to ensure justice and equity in terms of mitigation strategies.

Professor Mary Wisz, WMU lead for the workshop said, “We are in a triple planetary crisis facing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The shipping sector is now set for massive changes to decarbonize. Our workshop identified promising, urgent, opportunities for shipping to mitigate biodiversity loss and pollution as it decarbonizes.”

Many participants appreciated the chance to co-create solutions across disciplines that seldom collaborate, and to explore ways to mitigate shipping’s role in the triple planetary crisis.

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