International Maritime Organization’s New Emissions Targets Draw Criticism for Insufficient Progress

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global regulator of shipping, recently concluded its marine environment protection committee meeting with the announcement of new emissions targets. The goal is to align with the 2015 Paris Agreement’s objective of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5°C (2.7°F) by mid-century. However, climate activists have criticized these targets, arguing that they fall short of what is necessary.

The IMO has been working on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since 2011. The latest pledge aims for net-zero emissions “by or around” 2050, a first for the shipping industry. Net-zero emissions will be reached when no additional greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.

This decision comes in the wake of a global finance summit that discussed, among other topics, loss and damage funding for developing countries via levies on global shipping. While proposals to raise climate financing through carbon taxes were not adopted, the IMO did agree to “indicative checkpoints.” These checkpoints target a 20 percent reduction in the carbon intensity of shipping fuels by 2030, compared to 2008 levels, with further reductions of 30 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2040. The plan also includes a goal for near-zero fuels to comprise 5 percent of shipping’s energy mix by 2030.

Critics, including conservationists and several Pacific Island IMO-member states, have expressed disappointment with these plans. They argue that more aggressive targets are needed for meaningful action on climate change. Mark Lutes from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) called the regulator’s strategy off course for the required emissions reductions.

The shipping industry plays a crucial role in global trade, accounting for 80-90 percent of global merchandise trade by volume. It is also a significant emitter of CO2, contributing about 3 percent of global greenhouse emissions. Recent trends show an increase in shipping emissions, with a 10 percent rise from 2013 to 2018.

Critics highlight the slow pace of decarbonization in shipping, partly due to the complexity of regulating an industry operating across multiple jurisdictions. However, some positive steps have been observed. For instance, shipping companies have begun adopting more sustainable practices, such as fuel optimization standards and the introduction of green methanol-powered ships.

The lack of a global carbon levy was seen as a missed opportunity by many, including UN officials. Such a levy could have supported poor countries in coping with climate impacts and accelerated the transition to green energy.

Developing countries were divided on the levy issue, with some fearing that a carbon tax would unfairly transfer the burden of historical emissions from wealthy nations to shipping companies. Despite these concerns, there was support for a proposed levy of $100 per tonne of emissions, which could have raised significant funds for climate action.

While the IMO’s targets mark a step towards aligning with the Paris climate accords, many believe that the organization should be leading a more decisive and rapid path towards shipping decarbonization.

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