Cruise Ship Carbon Footprint Study
Scientists Estimate Climate Impact of Cruise Emissions
Study Finds Cruise Emissions Have a Climate Impact comparable to a small country.
A new study has found that the climate impact of emissions from cruise ships is comparable to that of a small country. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that the total climate impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) from cruise ships is equivalent to the emissions of a country with a population of about 8 million people.
The study's lead author, Dr. Susanne Becken, said that the findings highlight the need for the cruise industry to take action to reduce its emissions.
"The cruise industry is a major contributor to climate change, and our study shows that the emissions from cruise ships have a significant impact on the global climate," Dr. Becken said.
The study found that the largest source of emissions from cruise ships is the burning of fossil fuels to power their engines. The study also found that cruise ships emit a significant amount of SLCPs, such as black carbon and sulfur oxides, which have a short lifespan but a potent warming effect.
The study's findings are consistent with other recent studies that have found that the cruise industry has a significant environmental impact. A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change in 2021 found that the cruise industry is responsible for about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The cruise industry has been criticized for its environmental impact, and some environmental groups have called for the industry to be regulated more strictly.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry's trade association, said that the industry is committed to reducing its emissions and has made progress in recent years.
"The cruise industry is committed to protecting the environment and has made significant progress in reducing its emissions," CLIA said in a statement.
CLIA said that the industry has invested in new technologies to reduce emissions, such as exhaust gas cleaning systems and more efficient engines.
The cruise industry is also working to develop alternative fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen, that could further reduce emissions.
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