UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Experts on marine air pollution warn that despite the climate promises of its members, the trade association for the cruise liner industry attempted to persuade international authorities to weaken new environmental laws. A cruise industry initiative to raise cruise ships’ carbon emission ratings was rejected by the International Maritime Organization late last month. By permitting cruise liners to carry on as usual, according to environmental organizations, it would have also increased air pollution.
The membership of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) comprises cruise lines that operate 95% of all cruises worldwide. The organization’s four largest members, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises, all brag about their environmental consciousness and have made commitments to significantly reduce emissions. The International Maritime Organization’s members were reportedly pressured by the cruise liner group to amend planned regulations in a way that opponents claim will raise emissions while saving cruise lines money, according to a document from April.
The International Maritime Organization is the UN agency in charge of policing the environmental effects and safety of shipping. On its proposed law, its 175 member nations cast votes. John Maggs, head of the Clean Shipping Coalition, an umbrella organization of environmental groups with official standing at the maritime organization, stated that the planned change would “definitely” have had a detrimental effect on the climate.
However, the cruise sector claims that the new legislation misrepresents the effectiveness of its ships and that they shouldn’t be penalized for spending more time in port than cargo ships. A little over a billion tons of CO2 are produced by shipping yearly, or roughly 2.9% of total carbon dioxide emissions. Studies have revealed that because of its air conditioning, heated pools, and other hotel facilities, cruise ships create more carbon dioxide yearly than any other type of ship.
