As ships get bigger, the pollution is getting worse. The most staggering statistic of all is that just 16 of the world’s largest ships can produce as much lung-clogging sulphur pollution as all the world’s cars.

Smoke and sulphur are not the only threats from ships’ funnels. Every year they are also belching out almost one billion tons of carbon dioxide. Ships are as big a contributor to global warming as aircraft – but have had much less attention from environmentalists.

Both international shipping and aviation are exempt from the Kyoto Protocol rules on cutting carbon emissions. But green pressure is having its effect on airlines. Ahead of next month’s Copenhagen climate talks, airlines have promised to cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2050.




  1. brm says:

    #29:

    You’re nuts. Heads chopped off in Japan? Please.

    Steve Jobs makes $1 a year.

    And, I fly cross-country a couple times a year for $400 each time, and closer to $200 because I volunteer to get bumped at xmas.

  2. ECA says:

    Dont ya love SWA??

  3. Rick Cain says:

    This is the price we pay for free trade and globalist economies.

  4. deowll says:

    #5 Such ships can be made but what makes money is giant high speed ships.

    #28 Everybody could also agree to live in a one room apartment without air conditioning, walk to work, and limit themselves to tv on their netbook computer screens.

  5. gmknobl says:

    I’m tired of always arguing for the obvious truth (global warming is real and happening right now OR Neocons are jerks that are robbing the U.S. blind for just two) so I’ll stop and just say this:

    Whatever happened to the “slow boat to China?” All we get now if the “Big, fast boat from China.”

  6. Ralph, the Bus Driver says:

    These ships are not all that fast. The energy it takes to move is exponential to the speed. While their top speed may be 25 knots, they will more likely “cruise” at 18-20 knots and use half the fuel per distance.

    Because of the density, this dirty fuel is also more energy concentrated than is gasoline or jet fuel.

  7. Glenn E. says:

    “Both international shipping and aviation are exempt from the Kyoto Protocol rules on cutting carbon emissions.”

    Why am I not F-ing surprised at this?! Something Al Gore never tells you about. Wonder why? Bet he’s heavily invested in these transport industries. That’s why. Not to mention one of the entities that makes “bunker oil”. So he’s not going to endanger any of his profit making investments, by adding them to the clean up list. Only you should sacrifice more income to save the world.

  8. Mr. Fusion says:

    #37, Glenn,

    Bet he’s heavily invested in these transport industries. That’s why. Not to mention one of the entities that makes “bunker oil”. So he’s not going to endanger any of his profit making investments, by adding them to the clean up list.

    Your projection is amusing. You first surmise that Gore has invested in specific stocks. No proof, just “betting” or playing a hunch. You then take that as a fact and use it to promote your negative view of him.

    Typical denier tactic. Invent a fact and run with it.

  9. sacred guy says:

    amazingly maybe the should not use those ship becuz of pollution


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