Climate change in the blue economy sectors: the case of maritime transport and fisheries

Abstract

In recent decades, the approach to the climate emergency has shifted from a land-based perspective, primarily focused on the green economy, towards an increasing emphasis on the role of seas and oceans as fundamental agents in global climate regulation. Within this emerging framework, it becomes particularly relevant to conduct an analysis of the impact that climate change has on blue economy sectors–especially those activities carried out on board merchant and fishing vessels–as well as the reciprocal impact that such maritime activities exert on climate change itself. This paper specifically examines the challenges posed by the ecological transition in these sectors of the blue economy from the perspective of Labour Law, with a focus on the effects of climate change on the living and working conditions of seafarers and fishers.