Aligning with 1.5 degrees: Managing the risks and opportunities for shipping and the companies in its value chain

This insight brief explores the changing language of decarbonisation. It is increasingly emphasised that action is needed to keep temperature rises below 1.5 degrees – the temperature goal included in the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, possible tools for managing the situation are explored. The insight brief has been prepared by UMAS on behalf of the Getting to Zero Coalition, with funding from the Mission Possible Partnership.

December 06 2022

Shipping’s value chain can expect continued pressure on targets and commitments until it clearly aligns with an IPCC-derived definition of the steps needed to avoid temperatures rising above 1.5C. This pressure will come both from the policy process at the IMO and from the landscape of voluntary initiatives and commitments that intensify scrutiny and expectations of transparency. At a sector level, 1.5-alignment means taking even greater steps than many had already factored in as sufficient – much of shipping’s transition away from fossil fuel use will need to have been achieved by the end of the 2030’s. Managing the risks and opportunities that this creates starts with understanding where pressure on targets comes from and what is driving these latest developments in their specification.

Learn more in the full insight brief.

The views expressed in this Insight are those of the author alone and not necessarily those of the Global Maritime Forum. Excerpts may be published with reference to the Global Maritime Forum.