Arctic 'dirty fuel' ban for ships comes into force a first step in protecting this fragile ecosystem

Last week, a significant environmental regulation took effect, targeting the use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in Arctic waters. HFO, a thick and tar-like substance, is commonly used by oil and gas tankers but is notorious for its environmental impact. When burned, it releases black carbon, which accelerates the melting of Arctic snow and ice, posing a severe threat to fragile ecosystems.
However, while the ban is a milestone, its immediate effect is limited due to several loopholes. Ships with "protected fuel tanks" and vessels from Arctic-bordering countries can continue using HFO until 2029. This includes over 800 Russian ships, a major player in the region. Consequently, around 74% of ships using HFO will remain unaffected for now.
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Environmentalists suc as the Clean Arctic Alliance are calling for stronger regulation, citing Norway's ban around the Svalbard archipelago as a model. They highlight the urgency, with scientists predicting ice-free Arctic days as early as 2030. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate black carbon emissions and protect the Arctic environment.
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Climate change: Arctic 'dirty oil' ban comes into force for ships
There are many loopholes to the ban, but environmentalists see it as a crucial first step.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv3dk4ydr3o
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32 more agrees trigger social media ads

Tabitha Kimani
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26 w
A huge step in the right direction
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We Don't Have Time
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26 w
Dear Sarah Chabane Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Clean Arctic Alliance by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Vermeer, We Don't Have Time
walter lungayi
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26 w
That's a great move. A positive development, continued policy action and international cooperation will be essential to comprehensively address the multifaceted environmental threats facing the Arctic region.
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Matin Ahrimankosh
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26 w
A great first step, but the real work begins now... 🚢
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Jane Wangui
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26 w
The government ought to make sure that the law is well implemented so as to deal with black carbon which is harmful to our planet.
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dickson mutai
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27 w
Stronger regulations, are urgently needed to curb black carbon emissions and safeguard the Arctic
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