By Wasana Nadeeshani Sellahewa
(Commonwealth) _ The ability of nations like Australia to access international markets depends on shipping, a major link in the supply chain that transports more than 80% of the volume of all goods traded globally from port to port. Shipping contributes just around 3% of the world’s anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, while being one of the most energy-efficient means of mass transportation. Similar to many other multinational businesses, shipping is today faced with the dual problem of having to both cut back on carbon emissions and prepare for the probable effects of a changing climate. The editors of this 16-chapter book, from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), offer insight into the many ways that climate change may affect marine transportation.
Prior to discussing maritime transport issues in more detail with reference to the pertinent international maritime regulatory and institutional framework, maritime issues are first placed within the larger context and debates surrounding climate change. After that, maritime issues are then considered in the larger context of the Kyoto Protocol. This volume presents integrated discussions regarding the anticipated risks and impacts of a changing climate and the potential costs of delayed action for the maritime industry, advocating the need to advance both mitigation and adaptation approaches to address the challenges posed by climate change.
A variety of factors make shipping vulnerable to climate change, including the possibility that rising sea levels, floods, and inundation will have an impact on port infrastructure and the ramifications of probable increased storminess at sea or in coastal regions. Marine transportation and the worldwide resilience of multimodal transport networks are at genuine and significant risk from climate change. In addition to having the potential to close ports, cause significant disruptions, and cause direct damage to berths, piers, terminal buildings, ships, and cargo, extreme weather events predicted by climate change scientists have the potential to have a significant impact on maritime transport operations.
Contributors talk about a variety of mitigation approaches, including technology, systems, vessel design, operational enhancements, and market-based solutions including incentives, rebates, compensation, credit trading, and emissions trading schemes. Given the international nature of shipping, the potential costs and effects of mitigation on poorer nations are also given special consideration. The focus of this book is on making sure that in addition to limiting emissions from shipping, adequate attention is given to adapting to a variety of climate change scenarios, while these mitigation problems are given weight. Contributors point out the importance of taking the proper adaptation and reaction measures as a result of the considerable effects climate change has on transportation infrastructure and services, particularly ports.
Fish populations are under danger due to climate change, but there are also new fishing opportunities. By 2050, it is anticipated that potential seafood catches in tropical regions may decrease by up to 40%. In contrast, the distribution of several fish species is expanding in regions with greater latitudes, such as the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Challenges result from these developments. New fishing techniques must be used in order to maintain sustainable fishing. It has been challenging for the fishing industry and governments to come to an agreement on the best way to manage changing fish populations, particularly when fish are migrating over international borders or when catches must be drastically cut.
Blue or aquatic foods provide a chance to enhance nutrition while reducing environmental responsibilities. To protect future fish populations, fisheries managers need to take extra precautions. But major international collaboration between nations is also necessary for efficient fisheries management. Balancing economic and environmental concerns is a big problem for many nations
