By Sara Stefanini, Climate Home News
Negotiations over a long-term climate strategy for the global shipping industry are growing fractious as countries battle over the level of ambition.
A coalition in favour of a stronger emissions reduction target welcomed new allies in the run-up to this week’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting, where delegates are due to adopt an initial strategy by Friday.
Canada has become increasingly vocal and New Zealand’s new Labour government has added its weight to the coalition spearheaded by Pacific island and northern European states. Australia and the Bahamas, the world’s sixth largest shipping flag state in 2017, are also chiming in.
But the compromise emissions reduction goal on the table — 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 — is half the level small island states say is needed to prevent the most disastrous effects of climate change in their countries. And the concern is the goal could be pulled down further in the final days of talks, a dozen national delegates and observers told Climate Home News, speaking on condition of anonymity.
