How Increased Shipping Demands have Harm Arctic Ecosystems
Hello and welcome to Green Schools Green Future! In this informative and educational blog we will delve into the world of Arctic shipping and how consumerism is jeopardising Arctic habitats. Due to the lasting effects of climate change, the overall surface area of Arctic land ice and glaciers is rapidly decreasing. This strikes an imbalance among Arctic species as their lands are being deprived of the resources required to house them. Recent research has correlated the decrease of sea ice to the increase of demand for shipping. Approximately 90% of all goods traded around the world are being transferred in cargo ships. The increase in necessity for these shipping routes coupled with the growing demand for Arctic resources stimulates clear risk factors to Arctic waters.
Why is this a Cause for Concern?
- Due to the mass reduction of Arctic sea ice, the shipping bandwidth is extended. This gives ships newfound access to regions of the Arctic that were previously difficult to reach.
- The number of ships operating in Arctic waters grew by 37% between the years 2013-2023, the distance sailed grew by 111%.
- The increased number of shipping vessels on Arctic waters has significantly increased the number of heavy fuel oil spills in Arctic waters, underwater noise pollution, and the melting of glaciers and land ice. This has majorly obstructed livelihoods, cultures, and human health in the Arctic, especially among Indigenous peoples.
How Does the Increase in Shipping Requirements Endanger the Arctic?
Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Black Carbon, and Oil Spill Risks in the Arctic
Ranked as the world’s sixth-largest emitter, shipping contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 75% of Arctic marine fuel is heavy fuel oil, this causes the escalation in production of black carbon. Black carbon has accelerated the reduction of Arctic land ice and has tarnished ice reflectivity. Between the years 2015 and 2019, black carbon emissions from shipping rose by about 85%. This poses a great threat to Arctic waters as heavy fuel oils are slow to break down. We lack effective cleaning methods for this type of oil, ultimately harming Arctic ecosystems and Indigenous communities.
Impact on Marine Life
Increased usage of Arctic shipping routes is directly proportional to an increase in ship strikes. Arctic shipping lanes often overlap with whale habitats and migratory routes causing collisions and fatalities. These instances are called ship strikes. As a product of rising ship traffic, underwater noise pollution has interfered with the communication and behaviour of marine mammals. This has caused significant impacts to their hearing and stress levels, this has interfered with important activities such as food consumption and reproduction. These changes have endangered whale species. Noise is capable of traveling far due to the unique soundscape of Arctic waters meaning, even a few ships can greatly change the noise levels underwater. By obstructing natural processes of wildlife, Indigenous communities also face tremendous impacts due to their heavy reliance on nature.
Possible Solutions:
Arctic Fuel Regulations
As of July 1, 2024, a heavy fuel oil ban issued by the International Maritime Organization has come into effect. However, the ban involves serious loopholes which allows it to only account for a portion of heavy fuel oil currently in use in Arctic regions. More specific regulations with no exemptions will ensure that all heavy fuel oils are no longer used as fuel. Arctic nations must consider placing their own regulations of heavy fuel oils.
Sustainable Shipping
Implementation of routing measures such as shipping lanes and traffic separation can prevent the deterioration of Arctic ecosystems. Regulations involving ship speeds reduce greenhouse gas emissions, collisions with marine animals, and underwater noise pollution. There should be mandatory guidelines set in place relating to noise pollution as it can greatly disturb necessary natural processes. These regulations should not only apply to protected areas but also to other areas with sensitive wildlife and areas that interfere with animal migratory patterns.
Closing Remarks
Thank you for reading this far! Hopefully you have discovered new information on this pressing issue which has so greatly affected Arctic ecosystems and integral species. On behalf of Green Schools Green Futures, I would like to thank you once again for your contribution to our journey. Your donations to the Green Schools Foundation have helped the Green Schools community grow and continue to shed light on these critical matters. If you would be so kind, please make a donation to our GSGF foundation so we can carry on with our work and the building of our first Green School!!! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and find our latest news.
Resources:
https://clearseas.org/insights/marine-fuels-what-is-heavy-fuel-oil/