WWF statement on first science-based targets for shipping sector
Posted on February, 09 2024
As the first company in the shipping sector has its emissions reduction target validated, WWF calls for others in the sector to show their commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
Mark Lutes, Senior Advisor, Global Climate Policy, WWF Climate and Energy, said, “WWF is encouraged to see Maersk’s leadership in the shipping industry, as they become the first company to have ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.“Maersk, as one of the largest global shipping companies, has shown that science-based decarbonization targets are possible for the sector. This should serve as a benchmark of ambition for others.
“Shipping accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and with only 6 years to 2030, when global emissions should have reduced by at least 43%, the urgency to act is clear. It is time for shipping companies to demonstrate commitment to tackling the climate crisis by setting their own targets and taking immediate action to implement them. These targets must be more ambitious than the pathway set out by the International Maritime Organization in their recently approved decarbonization strategy if we are to limit warming to 1.5°C and avert the worst impacts of climate change.”