US bullying' could scupper carbon levy on shipping, warn experts

"The shipping industry accounts for about 3% of the world's carbon output, a proportion likely to rise without a move to green technologies. Scores of developing countries have been the target of unprecedented bullying from the US over the issue behaviour that one expert has called thuggery."

"Although amounting to only a small levy on individual vessels and cargoes, it could raise billions of dollars a year for climate action. It has been years in the making and was agreed at an IMO meeting last April, despite opposition from Saudi Arabia and some other petrostates and their allies."

"Panama is smaller and more vulnerable than the other two and its government is said to have been alarmed by the US president's decision to order an armed intervention in Venezuela in early January. Panama's leaders are thought to feel particularly vulnerable."

The shipping industry produces approximately 3% of global carbon emissions, a proportion expected to increase without green technology adoption. A proposed carbon levy at the International Maritime Organization would charge ships for emissions and generate billions annually for climate action. The measure was agreed upon in April despite opposition from petrostates, but the US—which withdrew from IMO negotiations—subsequently pressured developing nations through threats and coercion to oppose it. Panama, vulnerable due to its strategic canal and concerns about US military intervention, reversed its support by co-sponsoring a cancellation proposal. Multiple countries including the UK remain committed to the levy, but US bullying tactics have delayed implementation by one year and jeopardized the underlying climate commitments.

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