The International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened this week to finalize its greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy, but the overall ambition remains disappointing. Marine NGO Seas At Risk has expressed significant concern regarding the inability of IMO member states to meet even the minimum target established just two years prior. The initial goal of reducing emissions by 20% by 2030 now appears increasingly unattainable. The European Union has been particularly unhelpful in backing ambitious targets.
Its hesitation, alongside that of other member nations, to provide financial and structural support for decarbonization has left countries vulnerable to climate impacts without the necessary assistance. Central to the discontent surrounding the IMO’s outcomes is the proposed polluter pay levy on shipping emissions. The IMO’s own science suggests that failing to implement such a levy will lead to most shipping emissions being ignored, placing an unfair burden on countries least equipped to handle climate-related disasters. Currently, only 11-13% of annual shipping emissions are expected to be impacted by the IMO’s penalty mechanism for excess emissions.
The proposed levy, estimated to generate around $10 billion annually, falls short of what is truly needed to develop zero to near-zero (ZNZ) emission fuels or support a just and equitable transition (JET). Anaïs Rios, Shipping Policy Officer at Seas At Risk, stated that the outcome of this week’s discussions fails to meet even the IMO’s baseline expectations, effectively leaving the 2030 decarbonization target in jeopardy. Nevertheless, amidst this frustration, there exists a glimmer of hope. Strong voices from African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations demanded action and equity, demonstrating their determination to advocate for climate ambition, regardless of shortcomings from other regions.
This consensus indicates that many nations are still committed to fighting for actionable climate goals.