Tankers waiting offshore to enter the Port of Los Angeles, California, on July 26, 2023. DANIEL SLIM / AFP
An international vote to formally approve cutting maritime emissions was delayed by a year on Friday, October 17, in a victory for the United States which opposes the carbon-cutting plan. The London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is the shipping body of the United Nations, voted in April for a global pricing system to help curb greenhouse gases. But a vote on whether to formally approve the deal was canceled on Friday until next year after US President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against countries backing the plan.
Increased divisions, notably between oil-producing nations and non-oil producers, emerged this week at meetings leading up to Friday's planned follow-up vote to approve the scheme. Delegates instead voted on a hastily-arranged resolution to postpone proceedings, which passed by 57 votes to 49.
Trump on Thursday said the proposed global carbon tax on shipping was a "scam" after the US withdrew from IMO negotiations in April. A Russian delegate described proceedings as "chaos" as he addressed the plenary Friday after talks had lasted until the early hours. Russia joined major oil producers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in voting against the carbon-reduction measure in April, arguing it would harm the economy and food security.
