Indigenous leaders are highlighting heavy fuel oil (HFO) and the potential impacts to food security, culture, and ways of life for communities in a changing Arctic.
A new study shows that blended low sulphur fuels (VLSFO) developed to meet the sulphur cap could contain high levels of aromatic compounds which lead to significant increases in black carbon (BC) emissions.
Infographic detailing the environmental and social impacts of a HFO spill; the economic impacts of a ban on HFO in the Arctic.
Our civilization has developed during a period of incredibly stable climate over the past 10000 years. The predicted changes for the next few hundred years are in steep contrast. The Arctic is the most important early warning system for climate change on our planet. Rapid loss of Arctic sea ice is a clear indicator of changing climate.
This infographic details how many ship operating in the Arctic use heavy fuel oil (HFO) – the residual waste of the petroleum refining process. It is extremely viscous and virtually impossible to clean up in the case of a spill. It also looks at Black Carbon, a critical contributor to human-induced climate warming, especially in the Arctic. The combustion of heavy fuel oil produces high levels of Black Carbon.
To address the impact of ship Black Carbon (BC) emissions on the Arctic, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been tasked with developing a definition for black carbon, deciding on best methodology for measuring black carbon, and identifying abatement options. A considerable number of black carbon abatement options exist with varying reduction potential of BC emissions. Some are readily available, some in development, some expensive, some cheaper. This infographic goes through some of the most effective abatement options and depicts their advantages and drawbacks based on the most up to date scientific literature.