Natural Resources Water and Energy
Acknowledgements
The UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section expresses its deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to this edition of the Forest Products Annual Market Review.
Executive summary
As more countries commit to net-zero emissions and include ocean-based climate action in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) the energy transition of the fishing industry and its fleets is becoming a pressing issue. The fisheries sector is a contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions because of its heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Climate change, fishing fleets and fishing ports
Climate change has a significant impact on the fisheries sector fishing fleets and fishing ports. It is causing rising sea levels warmer water temperatures ocean acidification and deoxygenation which affect fishing activities especially in LDCs and SIDS.
Foreword
Forests in the UNECE region cover one third of the land surface and are fundamental for providing us with oxygen clean air and water. These treasure chests of biodiversity continuously increase the amount of carbon stocked in their biomass. The forests in the UNECE region have been sustainably managed for hundreds of years to become a rich source of wood a raw material with an extremely low carbon footprint.
Acknowledgements
This publication was produced by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on the basis of a study coordinated by the UNCTAD Division on International Trade and Commodities in collaboration with the UNCTAD Division on Technology and Logistics.
Technological opportunities and challenges of alternative energy options for fishing fleets
The increasing demand for renewable and modern technology for both electricity and fuels present potential opportunities for developing countries. Among the top ten countries in renewable electricity output are China India and Brazil (IRENA 2023a). China is the global leader in renewable energy production especially solar panels wind turbines and batteries (IRENA 2019). According to a recent Patent Landscape Report of the World Intellectual Property Organization China was the top origin of patent filings related to hydrogen fuel cells in transportation (WIPO 2022). Africa’s abundant resources of sun wind and rare earths make the continent a major participant in renewable energy in the coming decades. Furthermore Africa can play a crucial role in the development of the hydrogen economy (UNCTAD 2023d). Latin America is an important player in the generation of hydroelectricity and Argentina Bolivia and Chile contain the largest reserves of lithium necessary for the energy transition.
Nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement as applied to fisheries
NDCs are central to achieving the Paris Agreement’s long-term goal of limiting global temperature rise this century to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. NDCs present best endeavour commitments of individual countries to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Contributions are voluntary and flexible in nature and subject to continuous improvement and monitoring through subsequent submissions and the global stocktake exercise (UNFCCC 2023).
Forest Products Annual Market Review 2022-2023
The Forest Products Annual Market Review 2022-2023 provides a comprehensive analysis of markets in the UNECE region and reports on the main market influences beyond the region. It covers products from the forest to the end user and from roundwood and primary processed products to value-added housing and wood energy. Statistics-based chapters analyse the markets sawn hardwood and wood-based panels. Underlying the analysis is a comprehensive collection of data. The Review highlights the role of sustainable forest products in international markets discusses policies concerning forests and forest products assesses the main trends and drivers and analyses the effects of the current economic situation on forest product markets.
Energy Transition of Fishing Fleets: Opportunities and Challenges for Developing Countries
The review of NDCs conducted in this study shows surprising results. It reveals that major aquatic food exporters i.e. India the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Norway show no commitments on ocean or fisheries-related matters. In contrast Canada Chile and the Russian Federation have committed to protecting ocean space and include climate mitigation and adaptation measures within marine protected areas. And despite being a part of the most polluting region in the world China and Viet Nam stand out for committing to implement measures for energy saving energy efficiency and emission reduction in fisheries as a means of mitigating GHG emissions. The review of regulations and agreements found little evidence of such measures being used in the fisheries sector.
Opportunities, challenges and considerations for the transition of fishing fleets
Overall a balanced approach is needed to encourage trade and investment in a suitable energy mix and in the incremental adoption and use of renewable and energy efficient technologies. This approach should support the sustainable development of fisheries and the seafood industry. It should also ensure that the renewable energy transition and decarbonization of fishing fleets provide equitable economic environmental and social benefits along the value chain and throughout the entire economy. The energy transition must also ensure that the costs and benefits of a world powered by renewable energy are fairly distributed.