Study: Ships Pollute More Than Planes

Posted by Mike Richard on October 23, 2007
Filed under: Environmental, News

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Via The Register:

Ships pump out twice as much carbon dioxide as planes, according to new figures from the maritime industry body Intertanko.

Previous studies from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have shown that ships emitted levels of CO2 similar to those from the aviation industry. But Intertanko says emissions have risen steeply over the last six years as ships are sailed faster to meet the demands of the planet’s growing economy.

Although mile for mile, shipping is still much more efficient than driving or flying goods from place to place, it is the sheer volume of the traffic criss-crossing the seas that is the problem. Some 90,000 vessels cut regular channels through the oceans, burning low-grade “bunker fuel” that churns out choking fumes that contribute to air pollution over land.

Transportation options for environmentally conscious, globe trotting travelers are shrinking every day. Pretty soon, the carbon offsets required to counterbalance every traveler’s lifestyle will be so prohibitive, we’ll all be following in Jason Lewis‘ footsteps and paddling/cycling/walking our merry ways around the world.

Perhaps he’s on to something …

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Vagabondish editor Mike Richard lives in Rhode Island - a small patch of land in the northeastern U.S. He is a professional web designer and travel junkie with an unhealthy addiction to backpacking, camping, hiking and seeing the world. He enjoys knit hats and speaking in the third person.



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