Despite more than a decade of technical work at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), black carbon from Arctic shipping remains largely unregulated, necessitating “immediate and mandatory” action to prevent ‘disastrous’ climate impacts.

In its most recent report titled “On thin ice: Why black carbon demands urgent action”, US-based environmental organization Pacific Environment has highlighted that in spite of the efforts made so far, black carbon—a component of particulate matter (PM) formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass, and biofuels—remains ‘in limbo’, with only a voluntary resolution and guidance set up.