Paris Agreement

In the maritime context, the Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which has significant implications for the maritime industry. The agreement, adopted in 2015, seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The maritime industry, which contributes about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is directly affected by this agreement. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce the industry's total annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely. This has led to a push for the development and implementation of more energy-efficient ship designs, the use of low-carbon fuels, and the adoption of energy-saving technologies and operational practices. The Paris Agreement also emphasizes the need for adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change, which for the maritime industry includes preparing for sea level rise, increased storm intensity, and changes in ocean currents and wave patterns.