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Japan Times
10-04-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
U.S. exits carbon talks on shipping, urges others to follow, document says
The United States has withdrawn from talks in London looking at advancing decarbonization in the shipping sector, and Washington will consider "reciprocal measures" to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships, according to a diplomatic note seen by Reuters. Delegates are at the U.N. shipping agency's headquarters this week for negotiations over decarbonization measures aimed at enabling the global shipping industry to reach net zero by "around 2050." A State Department spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that Washington would not be "engaging in negotiations" at the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization (IMO), adding that it was the administration's policy to put U.S. interests first in the "development and negotiation of any international agreements." An initial proposal by a bloc of countries including the European Union, which was submitted to the IMO, had sought to reach agreement for the world's first carbon levy for shipping on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. "The U.S. rejects any and all efforts to impose economic measures against its ships based on GHG emissions or fuel choice," according to a diplomatic demarche sent to ambassadors by the United States on Tuesday. "For these reasons the U.S. is not engaging in negotiations at the IMO 3rd Marine Environment Protection Committee from 7-11 April and urges your government to reconsider its support for the GHG emissions measures under consideration." It was not clear how many of the IMO's 176-member countries received the note. The IMO had not yet received any communication, an IMO spokesperson said on Wednesday. "Should such a blatantly unfair measure go forward, our government will consider reciprocal measures so as to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships and compensate the American people for any other economic harm from any adopted GHG emissions measures," the note from Washington said. Washington also opposed "any proposed measure that would fund any unrelated environmental or other projects outside the shipping sector," the note added. Shipping, which transports around 90% of world trade and accounts for nearly 3% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, has faced calls from environmentalists and investors to deliver more concrete action, including a carbon levy. IMO discussions continued on Wednesday despite the move by the U.S., delegates involved said. "The U.S. is one of 176 IMO member states. While their impact on this process is considerable, we cannot afford to let a squall from one nation blow all of us off course," said Albon Ishoda, the Marshall Islands special envoy for maritime decarbonization. "In this time of instability in the markets, a clear direction from this IMO meeting is needed more than ever. We are going to continue negotiating with those that are prepared to talk." China and Brazil are among a number of countries that opposed a flat carbon levy on shipping as they argued it would penalize trade-reliant emerging economies. In January, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement for a second time, placing the world's top historic emitter of greenhouse gases outside the global pact aimed at pushing nations to tackle climate change.
CBC
09-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
U.S. exits carbon talks on shipping, urges others to follow
The United States has withdrawn from talks in London looking at advancing decarbonization in the shipping sector, and Washington will consider "reciprocal measures" to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships, a diplomatic note said. Delegates are at the UN shipping agency's headquarters this week for negotiations over decarbonization measures aimed at enabling the global shipping industry to reach net zero by "around 2050." An initial proposal by a bloc of countries including the European Union, which was submitted to the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO), had sought to reach agreement for the world's first carbon levy for shipping on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. "The U.S. rejects any and all efforts to impose economic measures against its ships based on GHG emissions or fuel choice," according to a diplomatic demarche sent to ambassadors by the U.S. "For these reasons the U.S. is not engaging in negotiations at the IMO 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee from 7-11 April and urges your government to reconsider its support for the GHG emissions measures under consideration." It was not clear how many of the IMO's 176-member countries received the note. "Should such a blatantly unfair measure go forward, our government will consider reciprocal measures so as to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships and compensate the American people for any other economic harm from any adopted GHG emissions measures," the note from Washington said. Washington also opposed "any proposed measure that would fund any unrelated environmental or other projects outside the shipping sector," the note added. WATCH | Efforts to push shipping industry into a sustainable future: Reshaping the shipping industry for a sustainable future 2 years ago Duration 0:01 Shipping is the foundation of the global economy, but for years it sailed under the radar for its huge carbon footprint — but not anymore. CBC Chris Brown travels to Denmark to learn more about efforts to push the industry into a sustainable future. U.S. officials in Washington did not immediately comment when contacted late on Tuesday. The IMO had not yet received any communication, an IMO spokesperson said on Wednesday. Shipping, which transports around 90 per cent of world trade and accounts for nearly three per cent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, has faced calls from environmentalists and investors to deliver more concrete action, including a carbon levy. IMO discussions continued on Wednesday despite the move by the US, delegates involved said. "The U.S. is one of 176 IMO member states. While their impact on this process is considerable, we cannot afford to let a squall from one nation blow all of us off course," said Albon Ishoda, the Marshall Islands special envoy for maritime decarbonization. "In this time of instability in the markets, a clear direction from this IMO meeting is needed more than ever. We are going to continue negotiating with those that are prepared to talk," said Ishoda. China and Brazil are among a number of countries that opposed a flat carbon levy on shipping as they argued it would penalize trade reliant emerging economies. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the United States to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement for a second time, placing the world's top historic emitter of greenhouse gases outside the global pact aimed at pushing nations to tackle climate change.
Euronews
09-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Nations debate historic first global carbon tax as shipping faces pressure to cut emissions
ADVERTISEMENT A new levy on shipping emissions is on the cusp of being approved at talks in London this week. If implemented, it would be the world's first-ever global carbon tax. Responsible for a growing share of global CO2 emissions, shipping has been one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. The international nature of the industry has made it difficult to align with national climate goals, so a global carbon pricing model is widely seen as the most effective mechanism for regulation. If adopted, a robust pricing mechanism that covers the global shipping industry would be considered one of the most important climate agreements of the decade. What's being proposed for the global shipping carbon tax? The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the regulator for international shipping, has convened a week-long meeting of its Marine Environment Protection Committee in London. In 2023, the IMO set a target to reach net-zero emissions 'by or around' 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement and targets set by other industries. The group is expected to approve regulations on maritime CO2 emissions, which were proposed in 2023. Led by Pacific Island nations , more than 60 countries support a standard price per tonne of emissions, which they believe offers a fair path to achieving net zero. The shipping industry is broadly supportive. The International Chamber of Shipping, which represents over 80 per cent of the world's merchant fleet, says that a pricing mechanism for maritime emissions is 'the most effective way to incentivise a rapid energy transition in shipping.' However, countries including China, Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia, are pushing for a credit trading model. Under this approach, ships that emit less than their allowance would earn credits, which could then be sold to more polluting vessels. Critics argue that this could allow wealthier ship owners to simply buy compliance , rather than making meaningful cuts to emissions. Supporters of the carbon tax are hopeful that an agreement can be reached this week. Maersk Ambassador Albon Ishoda, Marshall Islands' special envoy for maritime decarbonisation, said IMO's climate targets are 'meaningless' without the levy. Funds generated by the tax will be used to help developing countries transition to greener shipping or to fund mitigation measures in the most vulnerable countries. It will also be used to reward the production and uptake of alternative fuels . The pricing structure has not yet been agreed upon but is expected to fall in the range of around $60 to $300 per tonne (€54 - €271). America threatens to retaliate if a carbon tax is applied As talks progress in London, the US has jumped in with a threat of 'reciprocal measures' if any carbon pricing mechanism is introduced. A letter, circulated to many embassies of the countries in attendance at the IMO conference and seen by POLITICO, outlined the US position on a global carbon tax for shipping. ADVERTISEMENT It stated that the US will not accept any international environmental agreement that adds 'unfair' burden to America. 'Should such a blatantly unfair measure go forward, our government will consider reciprocal measures so as to offset any fees charged to US ships and compensate the American people for any other economic harm from any adopted GHG emissions measures,' the letter stated. The US is notably absent from the IMO meeting this week, a marked shift from the Biden administration's previous involvement in international climate talks . Related Member states favour exempting international shipping from EU microplastic rules Environmental groups warn of 'multiple toxic hazards' after North Sea ship crash 'Time capsules' of toxic consumption: What happens to the shipping containers lost at sea? Why is a carbon tax on shipping needed? International trade runs on shipping, with more than 80 per cent of the world's goods carried by sea. ADVERTISEMENT But the industry is incredibly carbon-intensive , contributing around 3 per cent to global CO2 emissions. Data from Statista shows that between 2012 and 2023, CO₂ emissions from international shipping increased by roughly 15 per cent to 706 Mt per year. If the shipping industry were a country, it would be the seventh-largest emitter of CO2 in the world. More than 80 per cent of the world's internationally traded goods are moved by sea. Kelly via Pexels According to a report from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), shipping accounts for 14.2 percent of the CO2 emissions from transport in the EU, less than the road sector but approximately equal to aviation. Unlike road and aviation emissions , limitations on shipping have been difficult to implement due to its cross-border nature and lack of clear jurisdiction. ADVERTISEMENT Emissions from shipping are also projected to increase sharply in the coming decades unless significant changes are made. What can we expect from the shipping carbon tax meeting? With high-stakes negotiations in London this week, there is cautious optimism that a global carbon levy on shipping can be agreed upon. However, implementation of the tax is not a foregone conclusion. Against the backdrop of sweeping US tariffs , a global trade war on the horizon and vehement reluctance from some members, achieving consensus is not going to be easy. If the committee can agree and finalise the text for the regulations, the next step will be formal adoption. This is expected in October, and if it goes through, the rules would come into effect in 2027. ADVERTISEMENT
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
US exits carbon talks on shipping, urges others to follow
The United States has withdrawn from talks in London looking at advancing decarbonisation in the shipping sector and Washington will consider "reciprocal measures" to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships, a diplomatic note said. Delegates are at the UN shipping agency's headquarters this week for negotiations over decarbonisation measures aimed at enabling the global shipping industry to reach net zero by "around 2050". An initial proposal by a bloc of countries including the European Union, which was submitted to the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO), had sought to reach agreement for the world's first carbon levy for shipping on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. "The U.S. rejects any and all efforts to impose economic measures against its ships based on GHG emissions or fuel choice," according to a diplomatic demarche sent to ambassadors by the United States. "For these reasons the U.S. is not engaging in negotiations at the IMO 3rd Marine Environment Protection Committee from 7-11 April and urges your government to reconsider its support for the GHG emissions measures under consideration." It was not clear how many of the IMO's 176-member countries received the note. "Should such a blatantly unfair measure go forward, our government will consider reciprocal measures so as to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships and compensate the American people for any other economic harm from any adopted GHG emissions measures," the note from Washington said. Washington also opposed "any proposed measure that would fund any unrelated environmental or other projects outside the shipping sector", the note added. U.S. officials in Washington did not immediately comment when contacted late on Tuesday. The IMO had not yet received any communication, an IMO spokesperson said on Wednesday. Shipping, which transports around 90% of world trade and accounts for nearly 3% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, has faced calls from environmentalists and investors to deliver more concrete action, including a carbon levy. IMO discussions continued on Wednesday despite the move by the US, delegates involved said. "The US is one of 176 IMO member states. While their impact on this process is considerable, we cannot afford to let a squall from one nation blow all of us off course," said Albon Ishoda, the Marshall Islands special envoy for maritime decarbonisation. "In this time of instability in the markets, a clear direction from this IMO meeting is needed more than ever. We are going to continue negotiating with those that are prepared to talk." China and Brazil are among a number of countries that opposed a flat carbon levy on shipping as they argued it would penalise trade reliant emerging economies. In January, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement for a second time, placing the world's top historic emitter of greenhouse gases outside the global pact aimed at pushing nations to tackle climate change. (Reporting by Jonathan Saul, Michelle Nichols, Gram Slattery, Kate Abnett and Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Chizu Nomiyama )
