Close X
Monday, November 25, 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

EI commissioners: start review of safety net now

EI commissioners: start review of safety net now
The shortcomings in EI, flagged for years by experts, have been exposed by the pandemic, including that not every worker is covered, nor can everyone who is covered get benefits when they need them.

EI commissioners: start review of safety net now

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that as of January 2019, an estimated 366 North Atlantic right whales remained in the ocean, down from the previous count of 412 in 2018. Oceana Canada campaign director Kim Elmslie said the decline is "a reality check."

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'
The B.C.-based Digital Technology supercluster invested recently in a machine-learning chest X-ray tool that helps doctors identify lung abnormalities.

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying
Yep is the first in a series of witnesses called to testify at the request of Meng's defence team, which is gathering evidence for arguments it will make next year that she was subjected to an abuse of process.

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey
The injection of money is a result of the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative and will create a minimum of 33 units of new permanent affordable housing in Surrey.

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey

Vancouver Police shares message on how to celebrate a fun and safe COVID19 Halloween

Vancouver Police shares message on how to celebrate a fun and safe COVID19 Halloween
Halloween is all about being spooky and having fun but here is a quick video from the VPD that highlights on how to be safe during this tricky COVID19 Halloween.

Vancouver Police shares message on how to celebrate a fun and safe COVID19 Halloween