Remarks by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meeting in London on 3 July 2023.
Colleagues,
Five years ago, IMO ironed out the initial GHG strategy that sent a historic signal to the world that international shipping will at least halve emissions by 2050.
Two years ago, IMO agreed to initiate the revision of the initial strategy by increasing its ambitions.
And now we are here to adopt the revised strategy: with the ambition of a just, equitable and inclusive transition to the decarbonization of the shipping sector. This is good progress.
However, three months ago, IPCC's AR6 and UNFCCC's National Determined Contributions synthesis report added more clarity and details to the simple truth - this body has to do more on climate change now.
With the latest NDCs submitted and current ICAO's and IMO's commitments, the carbon budget for 1.5°C will soon be exhausted. And by soon I really mean soon, by the early 2030s.
If parties represented here at the IMO choose a low ambition pathway, our ability to meet our Paris commitments will be compromised.
The IPCC clearly demonstrates that it is possible to limit global warming to 1.5°C with rapid, deep and immediate emissions reductions across all sectors of the global economy.
How you revise IMO's GHG strategy is critical for keeping 1.5°C alive.
At COP27, Parties to the Paris Agreement emphasized the urgent need for immediate, deep, rapid and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions across all applicable sectors.
Parties also recognized the importance of both enhancing support for developing country Parties and minimizing negative economic and social impacts.
In this context, the shipping sector, like all others needs to be aligned with net zero by 2050. This would also mean having clear plans with interim targets to get there, including absolute GHG reduction targets, in a just and equitable, and inclusive manner. A clear plan for the transition for all ships and harbours to meet net zero by 2050.
Let's work this backwards, net zero by 2050, means delivering reductions by 2040 and 2030 - meaning, we need a timeline to bring measures into force now.
This sector is abatable - the technology exists to do what is needed. The IMO, as the global regulator, can set the path of how we take advantage of that fact.
By setting absolute emissions reductions targets and shepherding the corresponding transition to a booming clean energy and renewables-based sector, the IMO's leadership will support the transition of other critical sectors.
Colleagues,
This year's global stocktake - a process under which countries assess the progress towards the Paris Agreement and how we take the steps to adjust and better meet those commitments, needs engagement from all.
Therefore, I encourage the IMO's strong participation in the political phase of the 1st global stocktake.
Given our location and the time of the year we find ourselves in, I want to leave you with a few words from Arthur Ashe, who was the first black tennis player to win Wimbledon.
He said "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do all that you can."
Let us take this opportunity to land a decisive win towards meeting our Paris Agreement commitments.
We know we can.
I thank you.
