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Poorer Nations Accuse Wealthy Countries of Climate Commitment “Backsliding” at IMO Talks
Developing nations have voiced strong concerns, accusing wealthier countries of reneging on their pledges to combat climate change. This accusation comes as critical discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) continue in London, aimed at finalizing a long-awaited agreement to reduce carbon emissions from the global shipping industry. The talks are crucial for delivering on promises to decarbonize shipping, a sector contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Negotiators are tasked with crafting a tangible plan to decarbonize maritime transport within the next 25 years, a move seen as vital for global climate action and support for vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate impacts.
Decade-Long Effort to Decarbonize Shipping Faces Hurdles
Representatives from 175 nations have convened at the IMO this week to finalize the details of a landmark accord designed to decarbonize the shipping sector over the coming quarter-century. This agreement, more than ten years in development, seeks to establish a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international maritime activities. The stakes are high as the world looks to the IMO to deliver concrete measures that align with global climate goals.
Proposed Carbon Levy Sparks Division
A central component of the ambitious proposals involves implementing a modest levy on greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Revenues generated from this charge would be directed towards funding climate initiatives in less affluent countries. This financial mechanism is considered essential by vulnerable nations, which are already experiencing escalating economic hardship due to extreme weather events directly linked to climate change.
Opposition to Levy from Major Economies
However, significant opposition to the proposed levy has emerged from major economies including China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. While some blocs, such as the European Union, express conditional support, there are indications they might be willing to accept a significantly diluted version of the levy. This resistance poses a considerable obstacle to achieving a robust and impactful agreement.
High Stakes for Vulnerable Nations
The formal IMO negotiations commenced on Monday and are scheduled to conclude on Friday. These discussions represent the culmination of prolonged efforts to curb carbon emissions from shipping, a process spanning over a decade. Shipping currently accounts for over 2% of global emissions, a share equivalent to that of Japan, and projected to increase without immediate and decisive interventions.
Poorer nations are expressing apprehension that the negotiations are faltering, and that they stand to bear the brunt of the fallout. Ambassador Albon Ishoda of the Marshall Islands, representing a coalition of Pacific and Caribbean small island developing states, asserted that wealthy nations and large developing countries are “backsliding” on previously made commitments.
“It is perplexing to comprehend the rationale of these countries,” Ambassador Ishoda stated. “Perhaps concerns regarding national sovereignty are at play. However, our arguments for decarbonization and a shipping levy are rooted in scientific evidence. The most susceptible nations are demonstrating leadership and responsibility in these discussions.”
He referenced the agreement reached by governments in 2023 on a roadmap for shipping decarbonization by 2050, urging them to uphold this commitment. “We require these major economies to demonstrate leadership,” he emphasized. “The correct course of action is evident – they must pursue it.”
Economic Concerns Versus Climate Justice
Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, and their allies have contested the levy, arguing it could lead to increased consumer prices. While the EU officially remains supportive of a levy, sources indicate they may be considering a compromise that would weaken the original proposal.
Simon Kofe, Transport Minister for Tuvalu, another member of the 6Pac+ alliance of small island states, countered these concerns by stating that a shipping levy would have a negligible impact on consumer goods prices.
He clarified: “Concerns regarding the impact of a levy on trade and consumer prices are understandable; however, they are disproportionately exaggerated.”
Shipping costs constitute only approximately 1% to 5% of the final price of most consumer goods. IMO forecasts indicate that the transition to low-carbon technologies would increase shipping costs by a mere 1% to 9%. Kofe illustrated that even with a $150 per tonne carbon levy, the effect on end prices would be minimal. For instance, a $100 pair of shoes, where shipping accounts for $3 of the cost, would only see an increase to $3.72 in shipping costs due to the levy, resulting in a new retail price of $100.72.
“[Our levy proposal] ensures that the financial burden of pollution is placed on those who are responsible for it. By directly levying emissions, we uphold principles of equity, accountability, and climate justice, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future,” Minister Kofe concluded.
IMO Optimistic Despite Trade Tensions
The IMO talks are unfolding against a backdrop of escalating uncertainty in international trade, highlighted by recent sweeping tariffs imposed by the US on exports from numerous countries. Despite these broader trade tensions, the US is reportedly not playing an obstructive role in the IMO negotiations.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, expressed confidence that the meeting would yield the long-awaited agreement on shipping decarbonization. “Nearly two years ago, IMO member states demonstrated decisiveness in their commitments within the IMO 2023 greenhouse gas strategy, agreeing to approve midterm measures at this year’s meeting to reduce emissions from ships, including a global fuel standard and an emission pricing mechanism.”
“These measures would constitute the inaugural set of binding regulations for an entire global industry to transition to zero or low-carbon fuels and energy sources, based on mandatory emission targets. These measures transcend mere climate aspirations; they will become mandatory for ships operating worldwide. This week, we anticipate taking another significant step forward, charting a course towards a net-zero future for the maritime sector,” Dominguez affirmed.
Time Constraints and Potential for Delay
With the remaining days of the negotiations expected to be dominated by intricate technical discussions, time is rapidly diminishing. Constance Dijkstra, shipping manager at the Transport and Environment thinktank, cautioned: “We have entered extra time in the IMO negotiations, and the IMO is inadvertently heading towards failure by squandering this final opportunity to decarbonize the shipping sector. A carbon levy would represent a substantial stride in the right direction.”
Although the talks are scheduled to conclude on Friday, implementation of any agreement will likely take several months. Under the IMO’s established procedures, any accord reached this week will undergo further refinement by officials and member states before formal adoption at a subsequent meeting in October.