Las emisiones de gases efecto invernadero de buques: la Organización Marítima Internacional ante el cambio climático y el balance con el comercio internacional

Abstract

Aiming to contribute to the global goals on climate change, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) undertook the challenge of regulating the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from ships. Maritime transport contributes less than 3% to global GHG generation, but transports more than 90% of world trade. This requires adopting measures that contribute to the reduction of GHG while avoiding or limiting their negative impacts on international trade, particularly on developing countries. The IMO will need to decide how to apply the 'common but differentiated responsibilities' principle to the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, as most developing countries are importers or exporters to or from distant markets, and the measures could entail increases in freight prices. It is necessary to face the challenge with realism and solidarity, since - in the long term - it will require the development of alternative fuels and their production on a scale that meets future world demand, in the construction of new fleets, with new technology and, not less important, the development of new port infrastructure at a global level