Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Arctic heavy fuel ban weak: environmentalists

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Nov, 2020 07:52 PM
  • Arctic heavy fuel ban weak: environmentalists

Environmental groups say a new international ban on using a highly polluting fuel in Arctic waters is full of gaps.

They say Canada should refuse to take advantage of loopholes the International Maritime Organization has agreed to make part of the ban on heavy fuel oils.

The loopholes allow countries with Arctic coastlines continue to use the fuel until 2029.

Heavy fuel oil is a major source of so-called black carbon — soot particles that land on and darken sea ice, hastening its melt.

Andrew Dumbrille of the World Wildlife Fund says eliminating heavy fuel oil could cut black carbon almost in half.

Most Arctic countries, Indigenous groups and environmentalists supported a stronger ban.

Dumbrille says the loopholes were granted after heavy pressure from Russia, where most Arctic shipping occurs.

Transport Canada was not immediately available to say how it would implement the new regulations.

MORE National ARTICLES

Pandemic could worsen youth mental health: experts

Pandemic could worsen youth mental health: experts
"Going forward, we would be very wise to invest significantly more in mental health," given the pre-pandemic shortfalls and the benefits over time, said Jennifer Charlesworth in an interview.

Pandemic could worsen youth mental health: experts

Fraser Health warns of COVID19 exposure at an Abbotsford Gurdwara

Fraser Health warns of COVID19 exposure at an Abbotsford Gurdwara
Fraser Health has identified a possible public COVID-19 exposure in Abbotsford at a Sikh Temple.

Fraser Health warns of COVID19 exposure at an Abbotsford Gurdwara

Ask for help with COVID-19, PM urges provinces

Ask for help with COVID-19, PM urges provinces
Tam reported that as of Monday evening, there were close to 40,000 active cases of COVID-19 across Canada, up from 33,000 just four days before.

Ask for help with COVID-19, PM urges provinces

Another giant, invasive hornet found in B.C.

Another giant, invasive hornet found in B.C.
The first nest to be discovered in the United States was also destroyed last month near Blaine, Wash., not far from the border with B.C.

Another giant, invasive hornet found in B.C.

Toronto to extend ban on indoor restaurant dining

Toronto to extend ban on indoor restaurant dining
The city's top doctor, Eileen de Villa, said the restrictions -- which also include a continued shutdown of casinos, bingo halls and event spaces -- will remain in place for another 28 days after they were to expire on Saturday.

Toronto to extend ban on indoor restaurant dining

Singh says Ottawa must move to counter hate groups

Singh says Ottawa must move to counter hate groups
Fatal attacks, including at a Toronto mosque in September and the Quebec City mosque shooting in 2017, make demands for a federal response all the more urgent, Singh said.

Singh says Ottawa must move to counter hate groups