On Monday, April 28, Hannah Mosmans, a researcher at Erasmus UPT and a PhD candidate at the Erasmus School of Law, was a guest on BNR Nieuwsradio's program BNR Duurzaam. In a conversation with hosts Harm Edens and Nikki Trip, she discussed the new climate agreement from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which introduces the first global CO₂ pricing mechanism for shipping.
International shipping is responsible for about 3 percent of global CO₂ emissions. However, previous climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, made little to no binding commitments regarding this sector. That is now changing. In the broadcast, Hannah Mosmans explained what exactly has been agreed upon in the IMO agreement, why negotiations had been stalled for years, and what potential consequences these agreements may have for shipowners worldwide.
She also discussed alternatives to heavy fuel oil, the technological challenges in the transition to cleaner fuels, and the crucial role of consumers. "If we really want to make an impact, we also need to critically examine our own consumption behavior," Mosmans states. "Less demand leads to less shipping."
Hannah Mosmans is conducting PhD research on legal and economic issues related to alternative fuels in shipping. Her research combines insights from environmental law, international treaties, and economic theory on the pricing of externalities.
The episode can be re-listened to via:
For more information or questions about this topic, you can contact Hannah Mosmans via Erasmus UPT.
