Why Should We Care About the Arctic?
The Arctic is warming at a rate more than twice the global average, with temperatures expected to rise by 3-4°C in the next 50 years, according to the 2007 IPCC report. This rapid warming, compounded by a 50% reduction in Arctic sea ice since 2000, has wide-reaching impacts. Although melting sea ice sheets do not dramatically contribute to rising sea levels, melting glaciers do and accelerates ocean warming by replacing reflective ice with darker ocean surfaces that absorb heat heat rather than reflecting it. This disturbance of atmospheric and oceanic patterns contributes to stronger weather events, such as hurricanes.
Furthermore, the Arctic environment is uniquely vulnerable to pollution due to the ice-albedo feedback effect. Black carbon and other airborne pollutants, when deposited on sea ice, prevent it from reflecting sunlight, further accelerating the melting process. As economic activities like Arctic shipping increase, the concentration of pollutants in the region has grown, and it is essential to regulate and mitigate these threats to preserve the Arctic.
The Growth of Arctic Shipping and Pollution
Shipping traffic in the Arctic has significantly increased, with a rise of 37% in the number of ships and a doubling of the total distance sailed in Arctic waters. The growing activity is largely attributed to large-scale resource projects, such as the Mary River Mine in Nunavut and the Yamal Gas Project, which have introduced more bulk carriers and gas tankers to the region. This uptick in maritime traffic has led to higher emissions of pollutants, including greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and black carbon, all of which contribute to global warming and harm Arctic ecosystems.
Black carbon, a particulate pollutant generated by ship emissions, is a significant contributor to Arctic warming. When emitted, it settles on the sea ice, reducing the ice's reflective capabilities and accelerating the warming process. While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken steps to address black carbon and other pollutants, the regulatory measures remain insufficient and non-binding.
The IMO’s Regulatory Response
The IMO has developed international regulations to address the growing environmental threats posed by Arctic shipping. A key convention, MARPOL (Marine Pollution), plays a central role in addressing pollution from ships. Annex VI of MARPOL specifically deals with air pollution from ships, limiting emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter. However, black carbon is notably absent from the Annex’s specific provisions, despite its growing significance.
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO has recently taken steps toward regulating black carbon emissions from ships. In October 2023, the MEPC adopted two non-binding resolutions—one that outlines best practices for reducing black carbon emissions in the Arctic and another that provides guidelines on monitoring, measuring, and reporting black carbon. Though these measures are a step in the right direction, they remain voluntary and lack enforcement power. The IMO has also urged Member States and ship operators to voluntarily adopt cleaner fuels and propulsion technologies that could reduce black carbon emissions in Arctic waters.
Additionally, the IMO’s 2023 revised Initial Strategy on GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions aims to reduce international shipping emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels. This strategy, which includes actions to reduce black carbon, is a crucial part of the IMO's approach to mitigating climate change impacts in the Arctic.
Another important development is the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) Amendment to MARPOL Annex I, which will come into effect on July 1, 2024. This amendment bans the use of HFO in Arctic waters, although exemptions exist. For example, vessels with compliant fuel tank designs under the Polar Code and ships with waivers from Arctic coastal nations can still use HFO until 2029. This is part of the broader goal to phase out harmful fuels from Arctic shipping, in line with environmental and climate objectives.
One of the most important tools in the IMO’s regulatory toolkit is the establishment of Emission Control Areas (ECAs). These are designated zones where stricter measures are applied to limit pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. In March 2024, the IMO officially recognized ECAs in the Canadian and Norwegian Arctic waters, which will help reduce black carbon emissions by up to 25%. The goal is to expand these ECAs to the broader Arctic region, further curbing pollution in vulnerable areas.
The Ongoing Issue of Underwater Noise Pollution
Despite significant progress in addressing airborne pollutants, underwater noise pollution remains largely unregulated. The Arctic Ocean presents a unique acoustic environment due to its ice-covered waters, where sound travels differently than in temperate oceans. Anthropogenic noise from ships, particularly in the Arctic, can travel long distances and disrupt marine life. Studies show that noise levels in the Arctic increased significantly between 2013 and 2019, doubling or tripling in some areas.
Marine mammals, such as whales and seals, rely on sound for communication, navigation, and hunting. Increased noise from ships interferes with these vital functions, causing stress and even physical harm. For instance, in the Canadian Arctic, studies have shown that narwhals exposed to shipping noise experience stress levels 200% higher than normal. Moreover, ships pose a direct danger to marine mammals through vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, both of which contribute to the declining health of Arctic species.
Despite these threats, international legal frameworks have failed to adequately address underwater noise pollution. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and other IMO guidelines only focus on noise pollution aboard vessels, and the IMO’s 2014 guidelines for reducing underwater noise are non-binding. The IMO has also issued recommendations for creating Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) where shipping activities could be restricted to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, but the Arctic has not yet been designated as a PSSA.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction did make some progress in January 2024 by agreeing to take action to reduce underwater noise pollution from shipping, but the recommendations remain voluntary. The IMO continues to seek data from the shipping industry on how to best mitigate noise pollution in Arctic waters.
The Path Forward: Tackling Black Carbon and Underwater Noise
To protect the Arctic, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses both black carbon and underwater noise. Key actions include:
- Slowing down vessels in sensitive Arctic areas, a practice known as “slow steaming,” which reduces both emissions and noise pollution. This approach has proven successful in other regions, such as the Port of San Diego, where a Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program reduced NOx and CO2 emissions by over 60%.
- Adopting alternative fuels such as biofuels, LNG, and potentially green hydrogen, which can significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and black carbon.
- Implementing noise management plans for Arctic shipping and encouraging the development of quieter ships. New technologies, such as AI-driven systems that detect whale presence in shipping lanes, could be used to minimize the impact of noise on marine mammals.
- Monitoring and reporting to provide the necessary data for regulatory improvements. For example, the IMO has called on member states to report on the actions taken to reduce black carbon emissions in the Arctic.
Furthermore, it is essential to expand ECAs and establish PSSAs in Arctic waters to protect the marine environment and the species that depend on it.
Conclusion
The Arctic is one of the most fragile and important ecosystems on Earth, and its protection requires robust international action. While the IMO has made significant progress in addressing black carbon and other pollutants, much more needs to be done, especially in terms of regulating underwater noise. The shipping industry, supported by international law and regulation, must act swiftly and responsibly to minimize its impact on the Arctic environment. With the right legal frameworks in place, the Arctic can be safeguarded for future generations, ensuring the health of its ecosystems and the sustainability of its economic activities. The path forward is clear, but continued efforts and collaboration are essential to ensure that the shipping industry can meet the growing regulatory demands and help protect the Arctic marine environment.
