Posted: January 23rd, 2023

Climate Change and Its Impacts in the Maritime Industry

Climate Change and Its Impacts in the Maritime Industry
Climate change has increasingly become a significant concern for the maritime industry. The industry is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, and changing ocean temperatures and currents.
Significant impact of climate change on the maritime industry is the rise in sea levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that sea levels will increase between 0.2 and 2 meters by the end of the century, which can cause severe damage to ports and coastal infrastructure.This would not only damage the physical structures but also disrupt shipping routes and lead to increased costs for the industry. For example, the Port of Shanghai, one of the busiest ports in the world, is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, with a projected loss of over $1 billion per year in economic activity.
Another impact of climate change on the maritime industry is more frequent and severe storms. Storms can cause damage to ships and cargo, as well as disrupt shipping routes and ports. The IPCC projects that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and typhoons, will increase in the coming decades. This would lead to increased costs and risks for the maritime industry, as well as potential loss of life.
Climate change also affects the ocean temperatures and currents, which in turn affect the shipping routes and the distribution of fish and other marine life. Warmer waters can lead to more intense storms, while changes in currents can lead to changes in the distribution of fish and other marine life. This would have significant impacts on the fishing and aquaculture industries, as well as the shipping routes that transport these goods.
The maritime industry has a vital role to play in addressing climate change. Shipping is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the industry has a responsibility to reduce its emissions. One way the industry can do this is through the use of alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or biofuels. Another approach is through the use of energy-efficient technologies, such as wind-assisted propulsion or hybrid propulsion systems.
Climate change poses a significant threat to the maritime industry, with potential impacts on sea levels, storms, ocean temperatures and currents, and the distribution of fish and other marine life. The industry must take action to reduce its emissions and adapt to the changing climate, in order to minimize the potential risks and impacts. This can be achieved through the use of alternative fuels, energy-efficient technologies and other mitigation and adaptation strategies.

References:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2007). Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2018). Emissions from International Shipping.
Port of Shanghai. (n.d.). Climate Change and Port Development.
International Transport Forum (ITF). (2017). Climate Change and the Maritime Transport Sector.
International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2019). Climate Change and the Maritime Transport Industry.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2018). Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zone.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2015). Climate Change and Fisheries and Aquaculture.