Committee on Climate Change

Shipping activity emits a variety of gases and particles which influence the Earth’s climate. If unchecked, shipping CO2 emissions are likely to increase substantially out to 2050 and shipping will become a major source of global warming.

At present, International shipping emissions are not included in carbon budgets or the UK’s 2050 target. However, under the Climate Change Act, a decision is required by the end of 2012 on whether international aviation and shipping emissions should be included in carbon budgets. This is a decision to be taken by Government, taking into account the Committee’s advice, and followed – depending on the decision – by secondary legislation to Parliament.

The CCC will publish recommendations on how the UK’s share of shipping emissions might be calculated and options for including international shipping in carbon budgets on 3rd November 2011. This report lays the foundation for a wider review into international aviation and shipping which will be published at the end of March 2012. David Kennedy, the CCC’s Chief Executive will present the Committee’s analysis on shipping at an event at the British Chamber of Shipping at 9.30am on 3rd November. If you are interested in attending, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it