1. 20 21Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015 Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015
IN FOCUS
A bunch of people are standing outside in the biting cold, with placards
in their hands, and slogans on their lips; their voices hoarse from yelling
and urging the powers-to-be to sit up and take notice. You look on;
bemused and in wonder as to what the fracas is all about.
It’s simple.
Our environment – comprising the water we drink, the air we breathe in,
the other natural resources we make use of on a daily basis – is perched
upon a dangerous precipice. We have made the mistake of taking it
for granted and abused it for our own material good - having caused
immense damage in the process.
The forces of climate change are wreaking
havoc on the atmosphere, with our activities
spurring them on.
Global warming? What’s the big deal!
Climate change, as we know it, refers to the rapid
rise in Earth’s temperatures which is causing the
Arctic ice-caps to gradually melt; hence, initiating a
rise in the sea levels that in turn can afflict major
destruction by way of submerging coastal cities and
wiping the existing habitation off Polar Regions.
Marine life, in particular, faces umpteen perils with regard to climate change. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a further rise of 1.4°C -
5.8°C in global temperatures by the end of the century. This rise could turn out to be
the last nail on the coffin for many oceanic species which are already under stress from
ill-monitored fishing activity and habitat loss.
One predominant example of the species that stand to lose their way of life owing
to this caustic progression is the penguins. Adélie and Emperor penguins in particular
are facing the wrath, with the depletion of ice costing them readily available food and
forcing them to adapt to the swift change. Erstwhile existent colonies of these adorable
creatures are losing concentration, especially with sheets of sea ice increasingly thinning
or even blowing away.
GOING GREEN WITH A GRINClimate change is real and happening fast. What people don’t comprehend is that we have the solutions to
this conundrum in our own hands.
By Megha Sharma
20 21Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015 Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015
IN FOCUS
A bunch of people are standing outside in the biting cold, with placards
in their hands, and slogans on their lips; their voices hoarse from yelling
and urging the powers-to-be to sit up and take notice. You look on;
bemused and in wonder as to what the fracas is all about.
It’s simple.
Our environment – comprising the water we drink, the air we breathe in,
the other natural resources we make use of on a daily basis – is perched
upon a dangerous precipice. We have made the mistake of taking it
for granted and abused it for our own material good - having caused
immense damage in the process.
The forces of climate change are wreaking
havoc on the atmosphere, with our activities
spurring them on.
Global warming? What’s the big deal!
Climate change, as we know it, refers to the rapid
rise in Earth’s temperatures which is causing the
Arctic ice-caps to gradually melt; hence, initiating a
rise in the sea levels that in turn can afflict major
destruction by way of submerging coastal cities and
wiping the existing habitation off Polar Regions.
Marine life, in particular, faces umpteen perils with regard to climate change. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a further rise of 1.4°C -
5.8°C in global temperatures by the end of the century. This rise could turn out to be
the last nail on the coffin for many oceanic species which are already under stress from
ill-monitored fishing activity and habitat loss.
One predominant example of the species that stand to lose their way of life owing
to this caustic progression is the penguins. Adélie and Emperor penguins in particular
are facing the wrath, with the depletion of ice costing them readily available food and
forcing them to adapt to the swift change. Erstwhile existent colonies of these adorable
creatures are losing concentration, especially with sheets of sea ice increasingly thinning
or even blowing away.
GOING GREEN WITH A GRINClimate change is real and happening fast. What people don’t comprehend is that we have the solutions to
this conundrum in our own hands.
By Megha Sharma

2. 22 23Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015 Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015
IN FOCUS
So, what is meant by a carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is the amount of Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) or Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, measured in pounds of Carbon Dioxide, which are
released into the atmosphere whenever a specific action is performed. Carbon footprints measure
the impact of human beings’ day-to-day activities, and how they affect the process of climate change.
Yes, we can!
So, what is it that we as the populace that woefully brought the Earth to this decaying state can do
to help matters? The answer is, a lot.
The first and foremost stop on this reclamation route has to be increased awareness. Keep
your eyes and ears open to the latest happenings around the world. Take an interest in the ongoing
discussions and debates on environmental concerns. Read and learn about the adverse effects of
our daily activities on the atmosphere around us.
Next comes monitoring. Record and observe your carbon footprint. Study it in detail and try
to find ways to contain the same as much as possible.
Implementation is what should follow next. Realise the urgency of the situation, convey it
to those around you, and then try to execute the changes you have enlisted in order to conserve
more, and consume less. Dedication and regularity is the key here. It’s not the one-off, passionate
endeavour that will yield results. Consistent efforts, however small in scale, are what will make a
difference for good.
Plankton is one of the many varieties
of creatures that are threatened by global
warming. These are particularly crucial, as they
form the basis of marine food chains. Coral
bleaching, which is a stress response caused
by high water temperatures, is another adverse
outcome of climate change that can eventually
lead to coral death.
For many other species, changes in sea
temperature also mean a change in their
breeding cycles. Take marine turtles for
example. Female turtles swim ashore, dig nests
in the sand, lay their eggs and then return to
the sea. A rise in sea levels is thus sure to affect
prominent nesting beach areas. Rising warmth
will also lead to a skewed sex ratio, as in the case
of turtles the temperature during incubation is
what determines the sex of the egg.
Along with being a threat to all sorts of
marine organisms – be it whales, sea lions,
polar bears or zooplankton – a rise in the water
level is also likely to pose the greatest challenge
to Earth’s mangrove ecosystems, which require
unwavering sea levels for long-term survival.
Add to all this the rampant worsening of
the quality of air around us which we breathe
day-in and day-out, and what we have is a
hazardous and disease-ridden cauldron waiting
to bubble over. This is where the concept of a
carbon footprint comes into play.
“FEMALE TURTLES SWIM ASHORE,
DIG NESTS IN THE SAND, LAY THEIR
EGGS AND THEN RETURN TO THE SEA.
A RISE IN SEA LEVELS IS THUS
SURE TO AFFECT PROMINENT
NESTING BEACH AREAS.”
Global warming is a bane to many marine species.
Ways to curb the damage
• Restrict flying as much as possible
• Chuck that SUV, get a more eco-efficient car
• But the most energy efficient refrigerator that you can
• Try and reduce space and water heating requirements
• Use more energy efficient lighting solutions
• Go organic! In food, in bath products, in makeup et all
Lend support to the climate cause
Donate, volunteer or propagate.
You can contribute in a myriad ways to the cause of climate
change by affiliating yourself with any of these organisations that
are working tirelessly towards a cleaner and greener Earth:
• Reef Watch Marine Conservation:
http://www.reefwatchindia.org/
• Bombay Natural History Society:
http://www.bnhs.org/
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF):
http://www.worldwildlife.org/
• Greenpeace:
http://www.greenpeace.org/
• The Nature Conservancy:
http://www.nature.org/
• Earth First:
http://www.earthfirst.org/
How to calculate your boat’s carbon footprint
In order to calculate the carbon emissions from your boat’s fuel
consumption, multiply your fuel tank size (in gallons) by the
pounds of CO2 (per gallon) emitted.
This can be determined by the type of fuel you make use of (refer
to the chart below). One gallon of gasoline is equal to about 20
pounds of CO2:
One gallon of fuel lbs of O2 per gallon
Marine Diesel 21.24 lbs
Marine Unleaded 93 19.88 lbs
Marine Unleaded 91 19.51 lbs
Marine Unleaded 89 19.52 lbs
Jet A 21.10 lbs
Biodiesel 5.02 lbs
Green the boat
Anything and everybody has a carbon footprint. This includes our
beloved boats. There are many ways in which you can go green and
eco-sensitive.
Carefully calculate your boat’s carbon footprint, and then research
for ways in which you can limit the same to the lowest level possible.
If looking to buy a new one, invest in a model that has been designed
and constructed using ecologically sustainable materials. Technological
innovation in the field has also come up with motoring solutions that
offer a plethora of ways in which fuel can be conserved and minimal
energy consumed.
Penguins are bearing the major brunt of climate change.
Undeterred rise in sea levels could lead to
submerging of coastal habitants.
Consistant efforts can help contain
this spread of toxicity.
22 23Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015 Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015
IN FOCUS
So, what is meant by a carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is the amount of Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) or Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, measured in pounds of Carbon Dioxide, which are
released into the atmosphere whenever a specific action is performed. Carbon footprints measure
the impact of human beings’ day-to-day activities, and how they affect the process of climate change.
Yes, we can!
So, what is it that we as the populace that woefully brought the Earth to this decaying state can do
to help matters? The answer is, a lot.
The first and foremost stop on this reclamation route has to be increased awareness. Keep
your eyes and ears open to the latest happenings around the world. Take an interest in the ongoing
discussions and debates on environmental concerns. Read and learn about the adverse effects of
our daily activities on the atmosphere around us.
Next comes monitoring. Record and observe your carbon footprint. Study it in detail and try
to find ways to contain the same as much as possible.
Implementation is what should follow next. Realise the urgency of the situation, convey it
to those around you, and then try to execute the changes you have enlisted in order to conserve
more, and consume less. Dedication and regularity is the key here. It’s not the one-off, passionate
endeavour that will yield results. Consistent efforts, however small in scale, are what will make a
difference for good.
Plankton is one of the many varieties
of creatures that are threatened by global
warming. These are particularly crucial, as they
form the basis of marine food chains. Coral
bleaching, which is a stress response caused
by high water temperatures, is another adverse
outcome of climate change that can eventually
lead to coral death.
For many other species, changes in sea
temperature also mean a change in their
breeding cycles. Take marine turtles for
example. Female turtles swim ashore, dig nests
in the sand, lay their eggs and then return to
the sea. A rise in sea levels is thus sure to affect
prominent nesting beach areas. Rising warmth
will also lead to a skewed sex ratio, as in the case
of turtles the temperature during incubation is
what determines the sex of the egg.
Along with being a threat to all sorts of
marine organisms – be it whales, sea lions,
polar bears or zooplankton – a rise in the water
level is also likely to pose the greatest challenge
to Earth’s mangrove ecosystems, which require
unwavering sea levels for long-term survival.
Add to all this the rampant worsening of
the quality of air around us which we breathe
day-in and day-out, and what we have is a
hazardous and disease-ridden cauldron waiting
to bubble over. This is where the concept of a
carbon footprint comes into play.
“FEMALE TURTLES SWIM ASHORE,
DIG NESTS IN THE SAND, LAY THEIR
EGGS AND THEN RETURN TO THE SEA.
A RISE IN SEA LEVELS IS THUS
SURE TO AFFECT PROMINENT
NESTING BEACH AREAS.”
Global warming is a bane to many marine species.
Ways to curb the damage
• Restrict flying as much as possible
• Chuck that SUV, get a more eco-efficient car
• But the most energy efficient refrigerator that you can
• Try and reduce space and water heating requirements
• Use more energy efficient lighting solutions
• Go organic! In food, in bath products, in makeup et all
Lend support to the climate cause
Donate, volunteer or propagate.
You can contribute in a myriad ways to the cause of climate
change by affiliating yourself with any of these organisations that
are working tirelessly towards a cleaner and greener Earth:
• Reef Watch Marine Conservation:
http://www.reefwatchindia.org/
• Bombay Natural History Society:
http://www.bnhs.org/
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF):
http://www.worldwildlife.org/
• Greenpeace:
http://www.greenpeace.org/
• The Nature Conservancy:
http://www.nature.org/
• Earth First:
http://www.earthfirst.org/
How to calculate your boat’s carbon footprint
In order to calculate the carbon emissions from your boat’s fuel
consumption, multiply your fuel tank size (in gallons) by the
pounds of CO2 (per gallon) emitted.
This can be determined by the type of fuel you make use of (refer
to the chart below). One gallon of gasoline is equal to about 20
pounds of CO2:
One gallon of fuel lbs of O2 per gallon
Marine Diesel 21.24 lbs
Marine Unleaded 93 19.88 lbs
Marine Unleaded 91 19.51 lbs
Marine Unleaded 89 19.52 lbs
Jet A 21.10 lbs
Biodiesel 5.02 lbs
Green the boat
Anything and everybody has a carbon footprint. This includes our
beloved boats. There are many ways in which you can go green and
eco-sensitive.
Carefully calculate your boat’s carbon footprint, and then research
for ways in which you can limit the same to the lowest level possible.
If looking to buy a new one, invest in a model that has been designed
and constructed using ecologically sustainable materials. Technological
innovation in the field has also come up with motoring solutions that
offer a plethora of ways in which fuel can be conserved and minimal
energy consumed.
Penguins are bearing the major brunt of climate change.
Undeterred rise in sea levels could lead to
submerging of coastal habitants.
Consistant efforts can help contain
this spread of toxicity.

3. 25Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 201524 Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015
IN FOCUS
designs can provide great drag reduction, thus increasing
performance,” opines Masola.
On specific makes or models of yachts that promise
a cleaner sailing experience, Masola categorises the
eco-sensitive options available into the following two
categories:
• Pure Electric Yachts: Possessing only electric engines
and power pack, which is to be recharged using solar
panels or at the dock - these models can go really low
on a carbon footprint. With very few actually available,
such yachts mostly exist as prototypes which are in
continuous development.
• Hybrid Yachts: These boast of combustion engines
which have been coupled with electric ones, and come
highly recommended. They seem to be the best solution
as of now for a sustainable yachting revolution. Herein
the safety of traditional propulsion can be retained
along with the greener alternative of using the electric
motors more and more. On their smaller project, the
Hybrid33, Green Yachts has installed an electronic
system, which automatically manages the twin engines
so as to optimise propulsion in different speeds and sea
conditions. The great advantage of an electric engine is
not only zero pollution, but also the lack of noise and
vibrations and an excellent curve of performance.
New yachts can be made eco friendly,
if realised keeping in mind the target of
sustainability. Innovative technology can
provide excellent construction materials to
create a lighter yacht which can be moved
with lower HP, thus consequently reducing
pollution. Attention needs to be paid to the
machinery installed onboard so as to minimise
energy consumption.
“I focus a lot on illumination; preferring
natural light wherever possible and paying
attention to shades and design tricks which
will help maintain a stable temperature
onboard. This in turn helps in limiting the use
of air conditioning which forms a huge part of
onboard energy requirements,” Masola says.
“Being eco-sensitive also means paying
attention to the materials used - finishings,
woods, fabrics - every single item must
contribute towards reduction of the carbon
footprint,” he concludes.
The ugly consequences of our wasteful
ways are already rearing their heads, and
threatening our and other life forms’ way of
existence. The environmental outlook appears
very bleak unless men and women take
determined initiatives to curb, contain and
conserve - for the decisions we make today will
alone determine the state of the planet we will
bequeath upon our future generations.
THINKING GREEN WITH
GREEN YACHTS
A humble architect from a family with a
rich tradition of yachting, Mattia Masola of
Green Yachts, Italy vigorously reinforces the
importance of going green. “For me it is ever
critical to think green! We have no time to
waste, as green is the only possible future for
both our economy and our existence. There
are great opportunities for green yachting,
and clients have started appreciating such
initiatives,” he says.
Masola’s Green Yachts not only works
with yacht owners towards creation of new,
sustainable models - but also aids in conversion
and optimisation of existing ones. “The market
of second-hand yachts is growing, and we help
owners to refit and upgrade their yachts in
terms of design and sustainability,” he adds.
Suggesting ways for yachting aficionados
to reduce their boats’ carbon footprint,
Masola recommends upgradation of the
propulsion system, wherein engines can be
possibly coupled with electric variety for a
perfect Hybrid. He also advocates analysing
the hulls of existing yachts, and implementing
modifications that will help reduce drag and
consequently limit consumption. “New bulb
Mattia Masola
Old style hybrid vessel based on the origial drawings of USS Williamburg
Fast streamline 90 ft with hibrid propulsion built in aluminium.
Hibrid 33, an entry level to sustainable yachting.
“BEING ECO-SENSITIVE ALSO MEANS
PAYING ATTENTION TO THE
MATERIALS USED - FINISHINGS, WOODS,
FABRICS - EVERY SINGLE ITEM MUST
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS REDUCTION
OF THE CARBON FOOTPRINT.”
25Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 201524 Asia-Pacific Boating January/February 2015
IN FOCUS
designs can provide great drag reduction, thus increasing
performance,” opines Masola.
On specific makes or models of yachts that promise
a cleaner sailing experience, Masola categorises the
eco-sensitive options available into the following two
categories:
• Pure Electric Yachts: Possessing only electric engines
and power pack, which is to be recharged using solar
panels or at the dock - these models can go really low
on a carbon footprint. With very few actually available,
such yachts mostly exist as prototypes which are in
continuous development.
• Hybrid Yachts: These boast of combustion engines
which have been coupled with electric ones, and come
highly recommended. They seem to be the best solution
as of now for a sustainable yachting revolution. Herein
the safety of traditional propulsion can be retained
along with the greener alternative of using the electric
motors more and more. On their smaller project, the
Hybrid33, Green Yachts has installed an electronic
system, which automatically manages the twin engines
so as to optimise propulsion in different speeds and sea
conditions. The great advantage of an electric engine is
not only zero pollution, but also the lack of noise and
vibrations and an excellent curve of performance.
New yachts can be made eco friendly,
if realised keeping in mind the target of
sustainability. Innovative technology can
provide excellent construction materials to
create a lighter yacht which can be moved
with lower HP, thus consequently reducing
pollution. Attention needs to be paid to the
machinery installed onboard so as to minimise
energy consumption.
“I focus a lot on illumination; preferring
natural light wherever possible and paying
attention to shades and design tricks which
will help maintain a stable temperature
onboard. This in turn helps in limiting the use
of air conditioning which forms a huge part of
onboard energy requirements,” Masola says.
“Being eco-sensitive also means paying
attention to the materials used - finishings,
woods, fabrics - every single item must
contribute towards reduction of the carbon
footprint,” he concludes.
The ugly consequences of our wasteful
ways are already rearing their heads, and
threatening our and other life forms’ way of
existence. The environmental outlook appears
very bleak unless men and women take
determined initiatives to curb, contain and
conserve - for the decisions we make today will
alone determine the state of the planet we will
bequeath upon our future generations.
THINKING GREEN WITH
GREEN YACHTS
A humble architect from a family with a
rich tradition of yachting, Mattia Masola of
Green Yachts, Italy vigorously reinforces the
importance of going green. “For me it is ever
critical to think green! We have no time to
waste, as green is the only possible future for
both our economy and our existence. There
are great opportunities for green yachting,
and clients have started appreciating such
initiatives,” he says.
Masola’s Green Yachts not only works
with yacht owners towards creation of new,
sustainable models - but also aids in conversion
and optimisation of existing ones. “The market
of second-hand yachts is growing, and we help
owners to refit and upgrade their yachts in
terms of design and sustainability,” he adds.
Suggesting ways for yachting aficionados
to reduce their boats’ carbon footprint,
Masola recommends upgradation of the
propulsion system, wherein engines can be
possibly coupled with electric variety for a
perfect Hybrid. He also advocates analysing
the hulls of existing yachts, and implementing
modifications that will help reduce drag and
consequently limit consumption. “New bulb
Mattia Masola
Old style hybrid vessel based on the origial drawings of USS Williamburg
Fast streamline 90 ft with hibrid propulsion built in aluminium.
Hibrid 33, an entry level to sustainable yachting.
“BEING ECO-SENSITIVE ALSO MEANS
PAYING ATTENTION TO THE
MATERIALS USED - FINISHINGS, WOODS,
FABRICS - EVERY SINGLE ITEM MUST
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS REDUCTION
OF THE CARBON FOOTPRINT.”