Seas At Risk Urges Action on Shipping Emissions
Seas At Risk calls on world leaders at COP31 to cut greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions as the IMO Net-Zero Framework awaits adoption.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Environmental
Live Poll
Should governments require shipping companies to cut greenhouse gas emissions, even if costs rise?
Seas At Risk called for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions at COP31. The IMO Net-Zero Framework, approved by IMO Member States in April 2025, has not yet been adopted and remains politically contested.
Why it matters
The ocean absorbs around 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, and rising temperatures, marine heatwaves, and acidification are already occurring. Methane and black carbon are super pollutants with up to 1600 times more warming effect, making shipping and other emissions central to climate outcomes.
The ocean absorbs around 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, and methane and black carbon carry up to 1600 times more warming effect than CO2. The IMO Net-Zero Framework's adoption timeline and final terms remain unresolved.
The players
Seas At Risk
Seas At Risk is an environmental organization advocating for ocean protection and reduced shipping emissions.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping and its environmental impacts.
The details
Seas At Risk is pressing for reductions in greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions at COP31. The IMO Net-Zero Framework would establish a fuel GHG intensity standard and an economic mechanism for shipping, but it has not yet been adopted.
Timeline
April 2025: IMO Member States approved the Net-Zero Framework.
COP31: World leaders gather and Seas At Risk calls for urgent action.
December: Critical discussions and decisions on the IMO framework are scheduled.
Big Picture
The IMO Net-Zero Framework, approved by IMO Member States in April 2025, is the central pending instrument for regulating shipping emissions. Its adoption timing determines whether global binding measures arrive on schedule or are delayed further.
Shipping regulations under the IMO framework could eventually change fuel standards and costs for maritime transport. Reductions in methane and black carbon may also affect air quality and the pace of warming in Arctic regions.
The takeaway
Reducing super pollutants like methane and black carbon can deliver outsized warming benefits relative to their volume. Tracking the December IMO discussions will show whether binding shipping measures advance on schedule.
What happens next
Discussions and decisions on the IMO Net-Zero Framework are scheduled for December, with further delays possible beyond the next Marine Environment Protection Committee discussions.
Further reading
For broader context on ocean and climate impacts, see Environmental.
Live Poll
Should governments require shipping companies to cut greenhouse gas emissions, even if costs rise?
