23 Science-based targets can help organisations ensure that they are working with accurate information in their sustainability activities. The Science-based Targets Initiative says: “We need a race to the top, led by pioneering companies. This will empower peers, suppliers and customers to follow suit and drive governments to take bolder action.”1 The Textile Exchange emphaises that the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) provides a framework of action and guidance for companies across all sectors “to set science-based targets (SBTs) for nature and stay within the planetary boundaries of biodiversity, freshwater, land, and oceans”.2 Maritime industry commitment IMO is supporting greater use of sustainable technologies in shipping and the theme of its World Maritime Day for 2022 is ‘New technologies for greener shipping’. It says: “The theme provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of a sustainable maritime sector and the need to build back better and greener in a post-pandemic world. IMO actively supports a greener transition of the shipping sector into a sustainable future, and showcases maritime innovation, research and development, and the demonstration and deployment of new technologies.”3 While the primary focus is on GHG emissions from maritime transport, which IMO says account for a modest but rapidly growing source of global GHG emissions, the environmental impacts of shipping extend well beyond the impacts caused by fuel use. Ship design, building and renovation all present challenges to sustainability. To achieve lasting results that enhance shipping’s green credentials, industry bodies must work together on shared goals and challenges. 1 Source: Science Based Targets, About us 2 Source: Textile Exchange, Biodiversity Insights Report 3 Source: International Maritime Organization, World Maritime Day Theme 2022 Is carbon offsetting a cop-out? Carbon offsetting has become a popular way for organisations to ‘balance the books’ on their climate impacts. However, Breana Wheeler, Director of US Operations for the Building Research Establishment (BRE), points out: “If the first step for organisations is becoming carbon neutral, transforming our over reliance on offsetting carbon is also essential. The Net Zero Climate programme found that of the 4,000 major private entities globally that have made commitments, only 53 will be able to achieve net zero without the use of carbon offsets – that’s 1.33 per cent of all total commitments. Realistically, there aren’t enough carbon offsets to go around.” Source: Why we must act now on net zero
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