As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting on reducing climate-heating emissions from the shipping sector (Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships, ISWG-GHG 18) kicks off this week, the Clean Shipping Coalition is urging the UN shipping body to reach agreements on the following issues:
Global Fuel/Energy Standards
Establishing clear and enforceable fuel and energy standards will drive the shift toward clean energy. By encouraging early investments in wind power and zero-GHG fuels, these standards will cut emissions and foster the growth of green jobs and resilient economies across the globe.
“IMO member states meeting to discuss the shipping sector’s contribution to the climate crisis must agree on an ambitious set of new climate measures, including a global zero- and near-zero GHG fuel standard and a levy on ship fuel to drive emission reductions and ensure a just climate transition for international shipping,” stated Delaine McCullough, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions Policy Manager and President of the Clean Shipping Coalition.
Fair Implementation of a Pollution Fee
Holding polluters accountable through a greenhouse gas emission levy would create a strong market signal for emission reductions and ensure a fair and just transition to cleaner shipping. The resulting funds could support vulnerable countries, allowing everyone to participate in the energy transition.
“Member states need to get their act together and decide once and for all what kind of fuels and energy they want to incentivise,” stated Constance Dijkstra, IMO Policy Manager at Transport & Environment.
