Brussels, 23/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Pollution due to maritime transport must be reduced to help combat climate change, according to a report by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). "As regards greenhouse gas emissions (GGE), maritime transport is the most environmentally friendly mode, but if no measures are taken, it is believed that emissions caused by ships will increase by 150 to 200% by 2050", the JRC stresses. Maritime transport represents just 4% of total CO2 emissions caused by man, but there are currently no rules applicable to emissions from international maritime transport, even though discussions are underway on this subject within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report, which was published on 20 December by the JRC of the European Commission, gives an initial overview of the methods to estimate atmospheric pollution caused by maritime transport, describes technical solutions and assesses the options to reduce carbon emissions and atmospheric pollution in this sector. Amongst other things, the report analyses the possible terms for the implementation of market-based policies, such as a mechanism for trading in greenhouse gas emissions quotas for the international maritime sector. (B.C./trans.fl)