Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 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

No word on when Desmond inquiry will resume

No word on when Desmond inquiry will resume
Provincial Justice Minister Mark Furey confirmed Thursday that work is underway to either expand the existing hearing room or find a larger venue to ensure the inquiry can comply with physical distancing protocols.

No word on when Desmond inquiry will resume

Government to propose hybrid Senate sittings

Government to propose hybrid Senate sittings
Frustration over the Senate's failure to find a way to resume full operations in the midst of the pandemic prompted some senators Wednesday to block Gold's attempt to speed Bill C-4 through the chamber.

Government to propose hybrid Senate sittings

Two people in B.C. accused in fake refugee claims

Two people in B.C. accused in fake refugee claims
The agency alleges the offences involved people originating from Central Europe and took place between 2002 and 2014.

Two people in B.C. accused in fake refugee claims

Two shot, one dead in targeted shooting in B.C.

Two shot, one dead in targeted shooting in B.C.
Sgt. Frank Jang of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says they're releasing the name of the man who died, 43-year-old Ali Reza Serri, in an appeal to the public for any information that may help their investigation.

Two shot, one dead in targeted shooting in B.C.

Student grants to increase to $4,000, says NDP

Student grants to increase to $4,000, says NDP
New Democrat Leader John Horgan says a re-elected NDP will also add 2,000 more technology spaces in post-secondary programs across B.C.

Student grants to increase to $4,000, says NDP

Quebec cities face new COVID-19 restrictions

Quebec cities face new COVID-19 restrictions
Bars, casinos, concert halls, cinemas, museums and libraries are to be shuttered and restaurants will be limited to takeout.

Quebec cities face new COVID-19 restrictions