Wednesday, December 31, 2025
ADVT 
National

Arctic heavy fuel ban weak: environmentalists

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Nov, 2020 07:52 PM
  • Arctic heavy fuel ban weak: environmentalists

Environmental groups say a new international ban on using a highly polluting fuel in Arctic waters is full of gaps.

They say Canada should refuse to take advantage of loopholes the International Maritime Organization has agreed to make part of the ban on heavy fuel oils.

The loopholes allow countries with Arctic coastlines continue to use the fuel until 2029.

Heavy fuel oil is a major source of so-called black carbon — soot particles that land on and darken sea ice, hastening its melt.

Andrew Dumbrille of the World Wildlife Fund says eliminating heavy fuel oil could cut black carbon almost in half.

Most Arctic countries, Indigenous groups and environmentalists supported a stronger ban.

Dumbrille says the loopholes were granted after heavy pressure from Russia, where most Arctic shipping occurs.

Transport Canada was not immediately available to say how it would implement the new regulations.

MORE National ARTICLES

Top court won't review disclosure ruling

Top court won't review disclosure ruling
The Supreme Court of Canada will not review a judge's decision to grant author Steven Galloway access to emails between a woman who accused him of sexual assault and staff at the University of British Columbia.

Top court won't review disclosure ruling

Wage subsidy could cost less than expected

Wage subsidy could cost less than expected
Canada's official fiscal watchdog says the federal wage subsidy program might cost $14 billion less than the government predicted.

Wage subsidy could cost less than expected

WE Charity scales back operations

WE Charity scales back operations
WE Charity is scaling back its operations, making dozens of layoffs in Canada and the United Kingdom, while also looking to sell some of its real estate holdings in Toronto.

WE Charity scales back operations

Money to help communities adapt to COVID-19

Money to help communities adapt to COVID-19
The federal government is offering $31 million to help communities find ways to adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Money to help communities adapt to COVID-19

More needed to protect politicians: McKenna

More needed to protect politicians: McKenna
Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna says new measures must be taken to protect Canadian politicians from threatening behaviour.

More needed to protect politicians: McKenna

Abbotsford Police are on the hunt for Lorne Joseph Guilbault.

Abbotsford Police are on the hunt for Lorne Joseph Guilbault.
Abbotsford Police are seeking public assistance to locate a man wanted on several outstanding arrest warrants.

Abbotsford Police are on the hunt for Lorne Joseph Guilbault.