The 55 ports present at the C40 World Ports Climate Conference in Rotterdam endorsed the World Ports Climate Declaration, in which they actively commit themselves to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. Under the umbrella of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) concrete measures will be prepared. In November a follow-up takes place in the port and city of Los Angeles.
The Climate Conference took place from July 9 to 11 and was organised by the Port of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative.
Lubbers Pleased with Results
The conference chairman Ruud Lubbers was delighted with the outcome: “The conference was very inspiring. The ports were very committed and 55 ports endorsed the World Ports Climate Declaration, which was in fact negotiated earlier, but now the first steps were made for cooperation on concrete international measures.
Footprints and Indexing
Lead by the International Association of Ports and Harbours, the agreed actions will be taken and worked out in more detail. Subjects that will be addressed include the development of the so-called CO2-footprints, a standard method to quantify the CO2 emissions to monitor the progress of the actions taken. Ports will also develop a global indexing system that will enable them to reward clean and climate friendly ocean going ships, and punish the polluters.
Los Angeles
The next meeting will take place in Los Angeles. This is one of the front runners in reducing emissions. Other ports are ready to follow this example on a voluntary base.
In a video message President Clinton indicated he embraces the results and is ready to further support the initiative with his Clinton Climate initiative.
Source: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news/pressreleases/2008/20080711_01.jsp[Port of Rotterdam]
