The Study on ensuring Effectiveness of IMO Instrument regarding GHG emission from Ships - focusing on MARPOL73/78 Annex VI
UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 in order to prevent global warming. However, as a lack of concrete reduction goal and implementation plan, UNFCCC could not have effectiveness. In 1997, Kyoto Protocol to UNFCCC was adopted and UNFCCC regime started practically binding on the parties. Global warming takes the leading role in changing marine environment such as the rising of water level and sea water temperature. Also, Ocean plays the vital role in storing carbon to prevent global warming. Meanwhile ships which get the propulsion generated by consuming the fossil fuel are identified as GHG source and the discussions regarding the control of GHG emitted from ships are still in progress in IMO. IMO instrument has some legal conflicts with UNFCCC in principle. Therefore, this paper reviews the present UNFCCC regime and UNCLOS. Also, it surveys activities of IMO and analyze the Amendment to MARPOL73/78 Annex VI which entered into force on January 1, 2013. Finally, conclusions suggest the improvements in order to ensure effectiveness the new Amendment to MARPOL73/78 practically.