Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

Six arrested after drug raids in Richmond, B.C.

Six arrested after drug raids in Richmond, B.C.
The weapons found ranged from handguns to carbine-style rifles, and police say they also discovered cash and high-end items believed to be proceeds of crime.

Six arrested after drug raids in Richmond, B.C.

NDP asks ethics watchdog about Morneau, WE

NDP asks ethics watchdog about Morneau, WE
In a letter to commissioner Mario Dion, Angus says he thinks Morneau might have broken rules around conflict of interest and preferential treatment in allegedly green-lighting a $12-million contract for WE shortly after co-founder Craig Kielburger emailed Morneau about a youth entrepreneurship program in April.

NDP asks ethics watchdog about Morneau, WE

B.C. throne speech with COVID focus set for Dec. 7

B.C. throne speech with COVID focus set for Dec. 7
While the goal is to get the money out before Christmas, Horgan said people will probably be happy to get the cash whether it comes on Dec. 24 or Jan. 5.

B.C. throne speech with COVID focus set for Dec. 7

Scheer's spending prompts call for better rules

Scheer's spending prompts call for better rules
Alberta MP Shannon Stubbs was one of them, saying she thinks Canadians should expect MPs to avoid making such choices.

Scheer's spending prompts call for better rules

Premier unsure of Vancouver Island quarantine plan

Premier unsure of Vancouver Island quarantine plan
Horgan was commenting on a proposal from Dr. Richard Stanwick, the chief medical officer for Vancouver Island, on limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 through mandatory quarantines.

Premier unsure of Vancouver Island quarantine plan

Surrey RCMP need your help locating Naseem Mohammed

Surrey RCMP need your help locating Naseem Mohammed
Naseem Mohammed is known to police and has a history of involvement with drug trafficking in the Lower Mainland.

Surrey RCMP need your help locating Naseem Mohammed