US President Trump's Threats Sabotage Global Shipping Emissions Deal
In a shocking move, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN body responsible for regulating international shipping, has postponed its decision to adopt a plan to curb shipping emissions. The delay comes after US President Donald Trump vowed to impose sanctions on countries that supported the measure, essentially torpedoing the deal.
The IMO had previously approved the Net Zero Framework (NZF) in April, which aimed to reduce shipping emissions by 20% by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050. However, just a day before the planned adoption of the framework, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, calling it a "Global Green New Scam Tax on Shipping." The US President's comments sparked outrage among IMO member states, many of whom had already committed to implementing the plan.
In response to Trump's threats, delegates at the IMO meeting in London instead voted to postpone proceedings on the matter. The decision was met with disappointment from climate advocates and industry leaders alike. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change from Vanuatu, described the delay as "unacceptable given the urgency we face in light of accelerating climate change."
The delay may have significant implications for global shipping emissions. Climate change is already affecting the safety of seafarers and the ocean itself, with rising temperatures causing more frequent and severe storms. The IMO's plan aimed to reduce reliance on dirtier bunker fuel by using cleaner alternatives like ammonia and methanol.
Industry leaders expressed frustration at the lack of clarity in the wake of Trump's threats. Thomas Kazakos, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping, stated that "industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector." The IMO's delay has left many wondering if the world is on track to meet its climate goals.
As tensions between the US and the international community over climate change continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether the IMO will eventually adopt the NZF. With 63 countries that had already committed to the plan still in support, it's unclear whether Trump's threats can be overcome.
In a shocking move, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN body responsible for regulating international shipping, has postponed its decision to adopt a plan to curb shipping emissions. The delay comes after US President Donald Trump vowed to impose sanctions on countries that supported the measure, essentially torpedoing the deal.
The IMO had previously approved the Net Zero Framework (NZF) in April, which aimed to reduce shipping emissions by 20% by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050. However, just a day before the planned adoption of the framework, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, calling it a "Global Green New Scam Tax on Shipping." The US President's comments sparked outrage among IMO member states, many of whom had already committed to implementing the plan.
In response to Trump's threats, delegates at the IMO meeting in London instead voted to postpone proceedings on the matter. The decision was met with disappointment from climate advocates and industry leaders alike. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change from Vanuatu, described the delay as "unacceptable given the urgency we face in light of accelerating climate change."
The delay may have significant implications for global shipping emissions. Climate change is already affecting the safety of seafarers and the ocean itself, with rising temperatures causing more frequent and severe storms. The IMO's plan aimed to reduce reliance on dirtier bunker fuel by using cleaner alternatives like ammonia and methanol.
Industry leaders expressed frustration at the lack of clarity in the wake of Trump's threats. Thomas Kazakos, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping, stated that "industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector." The IMO's delay has left many wondering if the world is on track to meet its climate goals.
As tensions between the US and the international community over climate change continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether the IMO will eventually adopt the NZF. With 63 countries that had already committed to the plan still in support, it's unclear whether Trump's threats can be overcome.