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Ocean Conservancy

Have We Broken the Jet Stream? Climate Change Fuels Chaos

By |2025-01-21T12:54:43+00:00January 18th, 2025|

Have We Broken the Jet Stream? Climate Change Fuels Chaos

Human-induced climate change has seriously disturbed the North Atlantic jet stream, a fast-moving ribbon of air high in the atmosphere, according to Madeleine Cuff’s recent research in New Scientist. This disturbance is increasingly being connected to extreme weather occurrences, such as the devastating floods that swept throughout Spain in November 2024.

What is the Jet Stream?

The jet stream is a powerful air current that influences weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere. It is driven by temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics. However, as the Arctic warms at a rate nearly four times faster than the global average, the temperature gradient weakens, causing the jet stream to slow down and meander. This alteration can lock weather systems in place, leading to prolonged extreme events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods.

The Spanish Floods of November 2024

The record rainfall in Spain, which caused catastrophic floods and evacuated hundreds, is a clear example of the jet stream’s destabilisation. The slow-moving weather system that caused the rainfall was linked to a weaker and meandering jet stream, which kept the storm over the region for days.

The Spanish government declared a state of emergency as rivers overflowed and important infrastructure was damaged. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) stated that the incident was “consistent with predictions of increased extreme weather due to climate change.”

Broader Implications

The impacts of a disrupted jet stream are not confined to Europe. North America, Asia, and other regions are also experiencing unusual and severe weather patterns. For instance:

  1. Heatwaves: The Pacific Northwest saw record-breaking temperatures in the summer of 2024, attributed to a persistent high-pressure system linked to a meandering jet stream.
  2. Droughts: Parts of the Horn of Africa are enduring prolonged dry spells, exacerbating food insecurity.
  3. Winter Storms: The United States experienced intensified snowstorms in early 2025, also tied to jet stream anomalies.

What Can Be Done?

The destabilisation of the jet stream emphasises the importance of solving climate change. Limiting global warming to 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement, is critical for preventing further disruptions. Experts advocate for the following measures:

  • Reducing Emissions: Rapid decarbonization of the global economy is essential to curbing Arctic warming.
  • Building Resilience: Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure can help communities adapt to extreme weather events.
  • Improving Forecasting: Enhanced understanding and monitoring of the jet stream can improve weather prediction and disaster preparedness.

Conclusion

The breaking of the jet stream is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the planet’s systems and the profound consequences of human activity. As scientists continue to study these changes, it is clear that urgent action is needed to prevent further climate instability.

Sources

  • Madeleine Cuff, New Scientist: newscientist.com
  • Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET): aemet.es
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): noaa.gov
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): ipcc.ch
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Shadow Fleet Risks: Unregulated Oil Tankers Endanger Seas

By |2025-01-15T14:39:23+00:00January 15th, 2025|

Shadow Fleet Risks: Unregulated Oil Tankers Endanger Seas

A growing fleet of unregulated oil tankers, dubbed the “shadow fleet,” is raising alarm across the maritime industry. These ships, often old and non-compliant with international safety standards, are used to transport oil for nations such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to bypass sanctions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has flagged the significant environmental and safety risks posed by these vessels, sparking urgent discussions about tighter oversight.

Environmental Hazards

The shadow fleet’s environmental impact is profound. These aging tankers, often lacking proper maintenance, pose a heightened risk of oil spills. A single spill could devastate marine ecosystems, killing wildlife and disrupting fisheries. According to a 2024 report by the IMO, incidents involving these ships have surged, with poorly conducted ship-to-ship transfers being a key factor. This practice, frequently performed in international waters to evade detection, significantly increases the risk of accidents.

The environmental toll extends beyond spills. Many of these vessels use outdated engines, contributing to excessive greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The IMO’s efforts to regulate maritime emissions through measures such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) are undermined by the shadow fleet’s operations, which often flout such rules.

Threats to Maritime Safety

Safety concerns are equally pressing. Shadow fleet tankers are notorious for employing undertrained crews and skirting essential safety certifications. These factors create dangerous conditions for seafarers, who face a higher likelihood of accidents and fatalities. The lack of oversight also makes these ships prime targets for piracy and other criminal activities.

A January 2025 meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee aims to address these risks. Proposed measures include stricter tracking of ship-to-ship transfers and enhanced enforcement of existing safety and environmental regulations. However, critics argue that such measures may be challenging to implement without robust international cooperation.

Economic and Geopolitical Implications

The shadow fleet’s activities have broader implications for the global oil market. By circumventing sanctions, these tankers enable sanctioned nations to continue exporting oil, potentially undermining geopolitical strategies and destabilizing energy markets. The lack of regulation also creates unfair competition, disadvantaging companies that comply with international laws.

Steps Forward

Addressing the shadow fleet issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Governments and international bodies must invest in advanced tracking technologies, such as satellite-based monitoring systems, to detect and deter illegal activities. Strengthening port state controls and imposing stricter penalties on shipowners and operators involved in unregulated practices are also crucial steps.

Public awareness and advocacy can play a pivotal role. Environmental organizations are increasingly highlighting the dangers of the shadow fleet, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the maritime industry. Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and NGOs is essential to creating a safer and more sustainable maritime environment.

The shadow fleet’s rise underscores the urgent need for stronger global governance in the shipping sector. As the world grapples with climate change and geopolitical tensions, ensuring the safety and sustainability of maritime trade is more critical than ever.

Sources:

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