Millions of tons of CO2 emitted to avoid the Red Sea

Carbon emissions from Asia to the Mediterranean increased by 63% last quarter compared to the last three months of 2023, according to a report from consultancy Inverto.

A cargo ship (right) was seized by Houthi forces on its way to the port of Hodeida province (Yemen) off the Red Sea, November 22, 2023. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Shipping lines diverting vessels away from the Red Sea to avoid Houthi attacks are emitting an additional 13.6 million tonnes of _CO2 emissions over the past four months – equivalent to the pollution of around 9 million cars over the same period.

Instead of going through Egypt's Suez Canal, since mid-December, hundreds of ships have been sailing around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope - a detour that adds at least a week to the journey between South Asia and Northern Europe.

Ships are also forced to travel at higher speeds to make up for the time lost due to longer distances, which again results in more carbon being burned.

Carbon emissions from Asia to the Mediterranean rose 63% last quarter compared with the final three months of 2023, making it harder for companies using shipping to meet their commitments to reduce pollution across their supply chains, according to a report from consultancy Inverto.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/thai-them-hang-trieu-tan-co2-vi-tranh-bien-do-post737854.html