International Regulatory Framework for Black Carbon Emissions from Arctic Shipping: Current Situation, Problems, and Development

Xin Yang (), Ziqing Zhang, Zhiyuan Cui and Siyang Cai
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Xin Yang: School of Humanities and Law, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Ziqing Zhang: School of Humanities and Law, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Zhiyuan Cui: Law School, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
Siyang Cai: College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-18

Abstract: Black carbon, a short-lived climate forcer, has the dual impact of intensifying global warming and polluting the atmosphere. The further opening of Arctic shipping routes has resulted in a severe issue of black carbon emissions in this fragile region. The use of fuel, especially heavy fuel oil, in international shipping has generated enormous black carbon emissions, posing a serious threat to the climate in the Arctic and beyond. As the international community continues to pay attention to air pollution control and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, the need for effective global governance of black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping has become increasingly evident. This issue has emerged as a critical part of the broader effort to address ocean and climate governance through the lens of international law. Despite the efforts made by both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Arctic Council (AC) to reduce black carbon emissions, the current international legal framework remains fragmented, with weak enforcement mechanisms and limited capacity for coordinated governance. The findings of this research underscore the importance of strengthening international legal instruments aimed at reducing black carbon emissions from Arctic shipping. In particular, there is a pressing need for the development of a dedicated international treaty with enhanced binding force to mitigate the ecological degradation in the Arctic, address global warming, and realize sustainable development goals.

Keywords: black carbon; Arctic shipping; climate change; international law (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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