Photo: Christina Persico/RNZ
An alliance of small island developing states (AOSIS) says the latest meeting on creating a levy for international shipping confirms majority support for the move.
A meeting of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) group looking at reducing emissions from ships has been held in London.
The IMO's 2023 strategy commits member states to adopting mid-term measures to reduce emissions from ships in late 2025.
The IMO said in London, the Intersessional Working Group continued discussions on proposals for these measures, using as a base the draft text for an "IMO net-zero framework" agreed at the last meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82).
It said the working group agreed to keep all proposals for an economic element (GHG emissions pricing mechanism or levy) under consideration, and acknowledged potential "bridging options" suggested by some member states.
"Key topics covered include global marine fuel intensity regulations, the economic mechanism's structure, organizational and operational aspects of the proposed 'IMO Net-Zero Fund', revenue disbursement, and potential food security impacts," the IMO said.
Marshall Islands envoy Albon Ushoda said without a universal levy, the IMO's climate targets are meaningless.
"This is the fastest, most effective, and lowest-cost way to ensure a just and equitable transition, where no one is left behind," he said.
The Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST) says potential revenue - and who gets it - was also discussed.
The 6PAC+ alliance - comprising SIDs from the Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean - wants any market-based measure to directly benefit the countries most affected by climate change and support a just transition.
"The revenues from this levy must be directed toward those on the frontlines - the nations facing existential threats due to emissions they did not create," it said.
The MCST said the broad consensus at the gathering was that revenues should support the transition to zero-emission shipping, with clear provisions for capacity building, port infrastructure, and seafarer training.
It also said the disproportionate impacts on food security for SIDS and least developed countries (LDCs) must be accounted for in revenue allocation.
The matter will be discussed again at the next session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) on 7-11 April.
The MCST said with 51 co-sponsoring nations and growing backing from Africa, Latin America, and other SIDs, the levy and Greenhouse Gas Fuel Standard plan remains the most widely supported proposal heading into MEPC 83.
