Arctic black carbon concerns are being overshadowed by geopolitical tensions

Soot from ships is darkening Arctic ice and accelerating regional warming, and a coalition of countries has proposed an IMO rule to require cleaner "polar fuels" for ships north of the 60th parallel; that proposal is scheduled for review at an IMO Pollution Prevention and Response Committee meeting this week and possibly another committee in April.

Soot and other black carbon from ships is settling on Arctic snow and ice, reducing reflectivity and contributing to faster regional warming. That warming can influence weather patterns beyond the Arctic and is described by advocates as a reinforcing cycle. In December, France, Germany, the Solomon Islands and Denmark proposed that the International Maritime Organization require ships in Arctic waters to use cleaner "polar fuels." The proposal is expected to be considered at the IMO's Pollution Prevention and Response Committee this week and possibly reviewed by another committee in April. Key facts: - Soot and black carbon on ice reduce reflectivity and are reported to increase regional warming. - A group of countries has formally proposed an IMO rule requiring ships north of the 60th parallel to use lighter "polar fuels." - The proposal is scheduled for review at the IMO Pollution Prevention and Response Committee this week, with a possible additional committee review in April. - A 2024 ban on certain heavy fuel oil use in the Arctic has had limited effects so far, and waivers allow some ships to use the fuel until 2029. Summary: Black carbon from shipping is identified as a contributor to faster Arctic warming and is the focus of a proposal to require cleaner ship fuels in Arctic waters. The next procedural step is committee review at the IMO this week, followed by a possible additional committee meeting in April; the ultimate outcome remains undetermined at this time.