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ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill (online ISSN 2837-3901, print ISSN 2837-3871) is published the last Tuesday of the month throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
The online version of ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill can be found at chinaus-icas.org/icas-maritime-affairs-program/map-handbill/.
Battling climate change, Japan looks to seagrass for carbon capture
April 26 – Reuters
[Japan]
Japan’s national goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 is continuing to encourage local-level blue carbon awareness initiatives, such as a volunteer eelgrass planting project held in Yokohama in late April. Projects and submissions like this continue to make Japan a leading global advocate for protecting blue carbon ecosystems and understanding blue carbon capture.
Biden moves to limit oil drilling and mineral mining in Alaska, in latest win for greens
April 19 – Politico
[United States, The Arctic]
Under the direction of U.S. President Biden, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced on April 19 that more than 13 million acres of Alaskan wilderness would be preserved from oil drilling and critical mineral mining, leading to opposite reactions from the environmentalists and native tribes focused on preservation and the lawmakers concerned about energy insecurity.
Water extraction and weight of buildings see half of China’s cities sink
April 18 – BBC
[China]
Nearly half of China’s major cities are experiencing subsidence due to extensive water extraction and the increased weight from rapid urban expansion. Some cities are sinking rapidly, with one in six sinking by more than 10 millimeters per year. Researchers warn that these sinking cities, alongside rising sea levels due to climate change, could expose millions to future flooding risks.
Greece plans 2 marine protected areas. But rival Turkey and environmental groups aren’t impressed
April 16 – AP
[Mediterranean Sea, Europe]
Greece has announced plans to establish two large marine protected areas in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, aiming to expand its marine conservation efforts by 80% and cover 30% of its territorial waters. These plans have faced criticism from Turkey, who accuses Greece of using environmental initiatives for geopolitical purposes. Environmental groups also argue that the measures are insufficient and overlook harmful practices like energy exploration.
The Widest-Ever Global Coral Crisis Will Hit Within Weeks, Scientists Say
April 15 – The New York Times [Paywall]
[Global]
Coral reefs around the globe are still ending up bleached from extraordinarily high ocean temperatures. In mid-April, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other international institutes began calling it the fourth global bleaching event on record, making it the second within the last decade.
PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Pervasive in Water Worldwide, Study Finds
April 14 – The New York Times [Paywall]
[Global]
A study released by the Environmental Protection Agency analyzing more than 45,000 water samples from around the world found dangerously high percentages of man-made “forever chemicals” called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples not near any obvious source of contamination, setting off “alarm bells” on how these chemicals can spread.
Climate Change Is Likely Impacting Marine Life More Than Previously Thought, Study Finds
April 11 – Eco Watch
[Global]
A scientific study out of The Netherlands, conducted using a new method that more fully incorporates all comprehensive effects, concludes that the consequences of warming oceans and acidification from climate change is harming marine life much more broadly and negatively than previously thought.
UW studies a drastic way to cool a warming planet — cloud ‘brightening’
April 8 – The Seattle Times
[United States, Global]
Scientists at the University of Washington are studying “marine cloud brightening” as a potential method to reduce global warming by helping clouds reflect sunlight back towards space better.
New study tests if common mineral could help reduce the atmosphere’s CO2
April 5 – National Oceanography Centre
[Global]
Researchers from the National Oceanography Centre found that depositing olivine sands on the seafloor could help increase the ocean’s capability of absorbing carbon dioxide. The study found positive contributions of the olivine sands but scientists concluded that more research will be needed to fully understand its impact.
Ban on bottom trawling at three Manx fishing sites
April 4 – BBC
[Western Europe]
The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture announced a ban on bottom trawling at three Manx fishing sites within the western Irish Sea. The new ban, in effect until December 2026, coincides with new research into blue carbon and seabed habitats for the region.
World’s largest electric container ship starts service between China’s major coastal cities
April 29 – South China Morning Post [Paywall]
[China]
On April 29, the Greenwater 01, the world’s biggest fully electric container ship, successfully held its maiden voyage. The battery-powered ship, developed and manufactured by the Chinese state-owned China Ocean Shipping Group, can save 3,900 kg (8,600 pounds) of fuel for each 100 nautical miles it sails and will now sail between Shanghai and Nanjing once a week, significantly cutting emissions.
First container ship arrives at Port of Baltimore since Key Bridge collapse: “Another milestone”
April 29 – CBS News
[United States, Global]
On April 28, for the first time since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed and blocked access to the Chesapeake Bay, a container ship arrived at the Port of Baltimore in “[a]nother milestone.” Since the bridge collapsed on March 26, four temporary channels have been opened, with the fourth restoring 15% of the pre-collapse commercial activity and allowing large commercial ships to pass.
Crisis Pushes Chinese Shippers to Red Sea Alternatives, Hired Guns
April 22 – Caixin Global
[Red Sea, China]
As the Yemen-based Houthi rebels continue to launch missiles at and occasionally board passing commercial vessels in the Red Sea in a show of support for Hamas in Gaza, Chinese shippers are increasing their security or choosing to avoid the route entirely.
China’s CNOOC stockpiles Russian oil at new reserve base
April 15 – Reuters
[Russia, China]
Traders and analysts at tanker tracker Vortexa Analytics reportedly discovered that China’s National Offshore Oil Corporation, a state-owned company, has established a new reserve base to store more than 10 million barrels of petroleum blends imported over the sea from Russia’s Far East.
IMO discusses alternatives for decarbonization of the maritime transport sector
April 12 – Mayer Brown
[Global]
After the 81st meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, member states of the International Maritime Organization agreed on several provisions to build a net-zero framework for the total reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions from international maritime transport by 2050.
Cosco Shipping Sees Quick Resolution to Peru Port Question
April 9 – Marine Link
[South America, China]
A general manager for China megaport builder Cosco Shipping clarified that its investment in Peru’s Chancay deepwater port will continue. The announcement followed a request by Peru’s government in March 2024 for a judicial process to annul the exclusivity it had granted to Cosco Shipping in 2021 to operate the port upon its completion after an “administrative error” had been identified.
Chinese Trawlers and Warming Waters Fuel West African Fishery Crisis
April 9 – The Maritime Executive
[Africa, China]
As detailed by a long-term study funded by a Harvard University institute, the average number of fish catches along the West African coast has significantly declined over the past three decades. Initial findings point to climate change, lax regulations of international trawlers, and local overfishing as the primary causes of this rapid decline.
Port of Hong Kong suffers major connectivity loss
April 3 – Port Technology International
[Southeast Asia]
As shown by past statistics and newly published marine shipping port network overviews, the Port of Hong Kong is decreasing in popularity for port visits, indicating a drop in interest in the deepwater port in both recent years and through 2025.
Alaska fishermen and processing plants are in limbo as a state-backed seafood company teeters
March 30 – Northern Journal
[United States, The Arctic]
When Peter Pan Seafoods, an Alaskan state-backed company, did not open as usual for the winter season due to ongoing legal claims reportedly linked to unpaid bills, the local fishing industry—and thus the local economy—came to a virtual standstill as fishermen had nowhere to sell their catch.
Economy Minister visits Maltese industrial zone, reviews developing Libyan ports
April 29 – The Libya Observer
[Africa, Mediterranean Sea]
Trade and maritime ministers from Libya and Malta jointly conducted a field visit to the Malta Free Port and the industrial zone in Malta, which is considered a major center for maritime shipping in the Mediterranean. During the visit, the ministers discussed developing bilateral relations, increasing the volume of trade, and improving the services of some Libyan ports.
NATO Hails Morocco’s Contribution to Global Security
April 29 – Morocco World News
[Africa, Europe, Atlantic Ocean]
Speaking during a press conference in Rabat during an official visit, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer applauded Morocco’s long standing participation in NATO exercises, emphasizing the importance of NATO’s partnerships with regional partners and the need for increased collaboration to maintain stability and peace.
US troops begin construction of Gaza aid pier as questions remain over distribution
April 25 – The Guardian
[Middle East, United States]
U.S. military vessels have begun to construct the “initial stages of the temporary [floating] pier and causeway at sea” off the Gaza coast that will be part of an internationally cooperative humanitarian aid initiative. The construction will be supported by approximately 1,000 American troops who have been ordered not to step foot on Gaza shore. Meanwhile, several military experts and observers continue to warn that the entire plan is a major risk for the personnel who must build, operate and defend it.
Baltimore Sues Dali Ship Owner and Manager Over Key Bridge Collapse
April 23 – gCaptain
[United States, Southeast Asia]
The City of Baltimore has sued the owners and and managers of the Dali, the cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and caused its collapse and six deaths. Among other points, the lawsuit alleges the owners, Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Limited, were negligent in allowing the Dali to leave the Port of Baltimore while being aware of existing power issues and alleges the crew of incompetence and neglect. The Dali’s manager, Synergy Marine Group, is also facing allegations. An investigation is still ongoing by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Coast Guard.
Indian crew member from MSC Aries seized by Iran returns home
April 18 – Reuters
[Middle East]
Iran’s foreign ministry said its Revolutionary Guards seized a Portuguese-flagged container ship, the MSC Aries, on April 13 for “violating maritime laws and not answering calls” in the Strait of Hormuz, also noting that the vessel was linked to Israel. Several days later, India’s foreign ministry announced that one of the MSC Aries’ seventeen Indian crew members has been returned to India.
China Denounces U.S. Probe Into Shipbuilding Sector
April 17 – The Wall Street Journal [Paywall]
[China, United States]
Beijing says it opposes the investigation being opened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative into China’s “longstanding efforts to [unfairly] dominate the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors,” calling the accusations “baseless and against economic common sense.”
Navy Chief: Situation in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden ‘fragile’; Navy monitoring situation
April 15 – The Indian Express
[India, Middle East, Red Sea, Indian Ocean]
India’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said, as of mid-April, the hostile situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden remains “fragile” with drone attacks and piracy picking back up. Among other notes, Kumar explained the Indian Navy is “monitoring the situation” with 10 ships being deployed for the last 120 days alongside surveillance aircrafts and drones to ensure safe passage of vessels.
European states sign pledge to protect North Sea infrastructure
April 9 – Reuters
[North Sea, Europe]
Six European countries who border the North Sea—Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands—have signed a joint declaration to collaborate to protect underwater infrastructure such as undersea cables and pipelines.
US-Chinese military talks resume on safety in the air and at sea after a nearly 2-year break
April 5 – ABC News
[United States, China, Indo-Pacific]
For the first time since August 2022, U.S.-Chinese military talks between defense officials on safety in the air and at sea have resumed. The two-day meeting was held April 3-4 in Hawaii during a season of expanding top-tier communications between Washington and Beijing.
Royal Netherlands Navy’s HNLMS Tromp engages in Maritime Partnership with Indian Navy
April 29 – Indian Narrative
[Indian Ocean, Europe]
At the end of April, the Royal Netherlands Navy Ship HNLMS Tromp and the Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate INS Trishul conducted a joint maritime partnership exercise in the Indian Ocean. The exercise directly followed an official six day visit by the Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy to Mumbai to strengthen bilateral defense ties.
Navy chief repeats call for submarines purchase
April 29 – Bangkok Post
[Southeast Asia]
Thailand’s navy chief is calling on Thailand’s Defence Minister Suriname Klungsang to fulfill his promises to “finalise talks [with China] on submarine procurement as soon as possible” instead of accepting a frigate, explaining that the Thai navy “has a very limited fleet.”
PH, US, French navies conduct MSAR in WPS for Balikatan
April 28 – Palawan News
[Southeast Asia, South China Sea, Global]
On April 25, the Philippine’s 39th Balikatan Exercise began in the West Philippine Sea region. Thus far, the US Navy and French Navy have participated in several exercises including a joint maritime search and rescue drill, a simulated replenishment at sea exercise, and a cross deck helicopter landing exercise. Additionally, U.S. and Philippine Marines forces have been conducting simulations in air assaults and jungle training.
Philippines calls claim of South China Sea deal ‘Chinese propaganda’
April 28 – Nikkei Asia [Paywall]
[South China Sea]
Following reports made public in mid-April of a deal made between Beijing and the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte regarding a “new model” for addressing conflict in the South China Sea, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that the current administration was “not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China” and called the claims “Chinese propaganda.”
Chinese general takes a harsh line on Taiwan and other disputes at an international naval gathering
April 22 – AP
[China, Global]
Speaking at the two-day 19th biennial meeting of the international Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, China, Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of China Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia said China’s territorial sovereignty in the East and South China Seas “brooks no infringement” and China “will resolutely defend the reunification and interest of the motherland.”
‘Uniquely Singaporean’: Singapore navy launches fourth Invincible-class submarine
April 22 – Channel News Asia
[Southeast Asia]
On April 22, the Republic of Singapore Navy launched its fourth Invincible-class submarine, the Inimitable, at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) shipyard in Kiel, Germany. The first of Singapore’s Invincible-class submarines, which were developed alongside tkMS and are “specially adapted” for Singapore’s shallow and tropical waters, was launched in 2019.
U.S. Navy flies aircraft through the Taiwan Strait a day after U.S.-China defense chiefs hold rare talks
April 17 – NBC News
[United States, China]
On April 17, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and China Minister of Defense Dong Jun spoke for the first time, marking the first time Secretary Austin has directly engaged with his Chinese counterpart since 2022. The following day, the US Navy flew a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft through international airspace of the Taiwan Strait, a move which China’s Navy called “provocative.”
Moscow says it will build drone bases along Arctic coast
April 15 – The Barents Observer
[Russia, Arctic Ocean]
Russian authorities are reportedly planning to use unmanned aircraft drones to conduct aerial patrols over Russia’s Arctic waters. This development was reported days after Norway announced its own plans to develop a base for long-range drones near its Arctic waters.
Canada’s New Billion-Dollar Defense Investment: Strong Arctic Focus
April 15 – High North News
[The Arctic, North America]
On April 8, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of National Defense Bill Blair announced an updated defense policy document, titled Our North, Strong and Free, which prioritizes asserting Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic and Far North. Involving a $73 billion investment over the next 20 years, this policy also supports the establishment of a year-round presence by Canadian armed forces in the Arctic region “where the changing physical landscapes have created new threats.”
South Korea, Japan, US hold naval drills amid N.Korea threats
April 12 – Reuters
[East Asia]
On April 12, South Korea, Japan, and the United States conducted joint naval drills in the international water between South Korea and Japan. The specific purpose of these naval exercises, as described by the Republic of Korea Navy, were to improve readiness and capability against North Korea’s underwater threat and illegal transport of mass destruction weapons.
China labels US comments on Taiwan and AUKUS ‘dangerous’
April 10 – Reuters
[Indo-Pacific, China, United States]
Several top naval officials from the U.S., the United Kingdom and Australia, speaking at a public panel on the 2021 AUKUS submarine agreement, remarked that fulfilling the pact “has been a challenge” but “is a game changer” when securing the Indo-Pacific. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, subsequently called Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell’s suggestion that the AUKUS submarine project could assist with deterrence in the Taiwan Strait a “dangerous” comment.
MSDF unveils modified Kaga vessel refurbished for F-35B stealth fighters
April 9 – The Japan Times
[East Asia]
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has recently completed its preliminary work for turning its Kaga vessel—originally one of Japan’s two Izumo-class helicopter carriers—into a flattop for F-35B stealth fighter jets. Meanwhile, the MSDF intends to purchase 42 F-35Bs that will be deployed to the Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Base by the end of this fiscal year.
U.S. Set to Expand Naval Base in Papua New Guinea
April 6 – USNI News
[United States, South Pacific]
In early April, the U.S. announced its Navy is looking to complete three renovation projects for Lombrum Naval Base on the Island of Los Negros in Papua New Guinea.
Danish Defense Chief Removed After Warship Malfunction in Red Sea
April 4 – USNI News
[Red Sea, Middle East, Europe]
The Royal Danish Navy guided-missile frigate Iver Huitfeldt‘s radar and missile systems malfunctioned for 30 minutes in the Red Sea during a Houthi drone attack. The Danish general who failed to report the malfunctioning was removed from office.
Government Releases & Other Press Statements
Analyses & Opinions
Other Research
Hainan is an island province directly south of China’s mainland. The province administers the island of Hainan, which is the largest island of mainland China, and various smaller islands in the South China Sea. As described by the official website of the People’s Government of Hainan Province, Hainan Province has a total land area of 35,400 square kilometers and a sea area of around 2 million square kilometers, making it China’s largest maritime province.
Tertiary industry—including retail trades, transportation, hotels and catering services, financial services, and real estate—has traditionally been the prime component of Hainan’s gross domestic product. This island province is well known for its tropical climate and relatively flat land, which makes it a popular tourist and vacation destination. In some reports about Hainan, it is commonly referred to as the “Hawaii of China.”
The island province shares other similarities with Hawaii apart from their tropical climate and tourist attractions. As China’s southernmost province, Hainan is also the home port for China’s South Sea Fleet and Southern Theater Command Air Force. Facing the South China Sea, Hainan is also the forefront of the U.S.-China engagement in the South China Sea region. The 2001 EP-3 incident, also known as the Hainan Island incident, occurred just 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Hainan island. Following the collision with the Chinese aircraft, the damaged U.S. EP-3 aircraft landed at Hainan’s Lingshui airfield without permission from the Chinese authorities, which later led to diplomatic tensions and Chinese protest. Some smaller features in the South China Sea, claimed by China and some neighboring countries, a long standing territorial dispute, have observed close warship encounters between the Chinese and American navies in recent years, among others.
While being strategically important to China, Hainan is not one of the most developed areas of the world’s second largest economy. Among the 31 administrative divisions of Mainland China, the province ranked 28th by GDP in 2023. This is due to both the island province’s small population and its unbalanced economic structure. At present, Hainan has a total population of 10.43 million people, which is predominantly rural. Tertiary industry constitutes over 60% of Hainan’s GDP. To address the need for economic growth, Hainan has recently targeted boosting population and adjusting its tourist-reliant economy to a structurally stable economy by building the world’s first free trade port.
As part of Hainan’s aim to boost its economic growth by raising high quality consumption, Hainan has been holding the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) for a consecutive four years, starting in 2021. The 2024 CICPE was held in Haikou on April 18, 2024. The island province’s aim with the CICPE is to bring international brands to the duty-free island and use the expo to boost consumption as China is striving to reinvigorate its consumption.
Simultaneously, the island is expecting to complete preparations for its customs closure operation by the end of 2024 as a critical step in its plan to construct the world’s first free trade port. The island is also boosting its connection with the rest of the world as it became the first Chinese province to enact a visa waiver policy for over 50 countries, a policy that has been active since 2018. It was reported at the beginning of 2024 that the island province received over 90 million tourists, domestic and overseas, in 2023.
Given Hainan’s geographic location and its proximity to the South China Sea, it will become a hub for China’s maritime logistics, especially after the free trade port becomes fully operational in 2025. While the province has emphasized consumption over industrial development at this point, Hainan’s location, being the gateway of China’s tech hub—the Great Bay Area—will make it an important nexus for manufactured goods, high end or low end, coming in and out of China.
It is also worth noting that, while Hainan’s economic development is on the relative lower end in China, its huge market potential following the construction of the free trade port will give its economic growth a strong boost. The island province achieved a 9.2% GDP growth in 2023, with an industrial output growth rate at 18.5% and 10.3% growth in the service sector. This rapidly developing island will crave financial services in the near future.
As low value-added manufacturing industries continue to move out of China to Southeast Asia, Hainan’s free port will become an important nexus for manufactured goods shipped from Southeast Asia to China. The island already shows potential for developing high quality logistics industries and financial services , which is what China particularly needs during a time of slow economic growth.
That said, Hainan is still at the beginning stage of development, much like Shanghai in the 1990s, and Shenzhen in the 1980s. How Hainan is going to utilize past successful experiences and incorporate sound policies with international business and investment is the key to its transformation from a rural tourist destination to a modern free port. Senior officials from Hainan have notably turned to parties in the U.S. for this particular need. The island province is particularly interested in the U.S. biopharmaceutical industries and financial sectors. During a period of U.S.-China strategic competition, Hainan’s ‘pivot to the U.S.’ could bring a different episode to an overall deteriorating bilateral relationship.
This issue’s Spotlight was written by Yilun Zhang, ICAS Research Associate & Manager, Trade ‘n Technology Program.
The United States and China’s Global Maritime Relations: Inevitable Competition or Feasible Collaboration?
Thursday, April 18, 2024
In-Person (Washington, DC) & Online (Zoom)
On April 18, 2024, the Institute for China-America Studies (ICAS) and The China Institute at the University of Alberta co-hosted a hybrid book talk and panel discussion on Dr. Nong Hong’s new book US-China Global Maritime Relations (Routledge 2024) which explores the U.S.-China maritime relationship within the global context and investigates six key maritime regions: the South China Sea, the Northeast Asia waters, the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific Ocean, as well as the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The event was moderated by Mr. Philippe Rheault, Director of The China Institute. The book talk also featured three panelists who shared their respective perspectives on these critical issues: Mr. Gregory Poling, Director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Dr. Dingli Shen, Professor Emeritus and Former Executive Dean at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, and Mr. Gilang Kembara, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Rivalries aside, it’s vital for US and Chinese navies to keep talking
By Nong Hong
April 30, 2024
…While cooperation in maritime security remains possible, it is overshadowed by overall US-China competition and geopolitical tensions. In the future, both countries are expected to persist in their strategic competition across various domains, including military capabilities, technology development, shipbuilding capacity, and influence in both regional and global affairs.
This rivalry may lead to an increased military presence as well as exercises and deployments in strategically significant areas. Therefore, effectively managing differences, fostering trust and adhering to international norms and rules are critical challenges when it comes to advancing US-China cooperation in this vital domain…
This commentary was originally released by South China Morning Post on April 30, 2024
Some Observations on the U.S. Announced Extended Continental Shelf Outer Limits
By Nong Hong
April 8, 2024
On December 19, 2023, the United States Department of State announced the outer limits of its continental shelf in areas beyond 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baselines, or extended continental shelf (ECS), in various coastal regions including the Arctic, Atlantic (east coast), Bering Sea, Pacific (west coast), Mariana Islands, and two areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The ECS Task Force, chaired by the Department of State, oversees the delineation of these outer limits. The US Geological Survey (USGS) is responsible for collecting, processing, and interpreting seismic and geologic data, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) handles bathymetric data collection, processing, and analysis. This has sparked debates regarding whether the United States can bypass the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to proceed with the delineation of its continental shelf limits…
Blue Carbon & Climate Change 2024 Q1 Has Been Released!
The first week of April, the ICAS Blue Carbon & Climate Change Program released its BCCC Quarterly newsletter for 2024 Q1. This issue features a ‘Theme of the Quarter’ on “Renewable Energy Storage” and a ‘Blue Carbon Country Profile’ on ‘India.’
Released each quarter, the BCCC Quarterly records the most important trends and developments regarding blue carbon policies and regulations in China, the U.S., and other regions, as well as international regimes, such as under the United Nations framework. It also includes two special sections—the ‘Theme of the Quarter’ and the ‘Blue Carbon Country Profile’—that aim to bring a fresh and applicable element to each issue.
The dynamic transition to clean hydrogen requires temporary compromises
By Zhangchen Wang
March 29, 2024
As the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen plays a crucial role across a wide range of applications. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), hydrogen serves various industrial purposes, including in the production of fertilizers, serving as a fuel in metal smelting and electricity generation, and functioning as a reactant or catalyst in the manufacture of various chemicals. For sustainable development purposes, the biggest significance and advantages of hydrogen include its roles as a clean energy source and an efficient energy storage carrier…
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