Strong opposition from major shipping associations
Market-based measures to reduce carbon emission from international shipping were among the key items on the agenda of the 63rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will be held in London from Feb. 27 to March 2. It was suggested at the session that an expert group should be set up to carry out a feasibility study of the market-based carbon-cutting measures, and to determine the amount of emission reductions, carbon tax rate, and subsidies for developing countries.
Strong opposition from major shipping associations
However, the market-based measures have received strong opposition from the world’s major shipping associations, including the Baltic and International Maritime Council and International Chamber of Shipping. These associations believe that it’s not the right time to apply such measures, and suggest reducing carbon emissions by improving ships’ energy efficiency. Analysts also noted that different countries have different and even conflicting stances on the plan of shipping carbon tax, making it hard to reach a consensus.
The Reuters cited an aviation and maritime research analyst as saying that the MEPC is likely to postpone a decision on market-based mechanisms until the impacts on developing countries are clearer, which will be July next year at the soonest.
EU: seeking interests by carbon emission trading tax
As stipulated by Copenhagen Accord (2009) and Cancun Agreements (2010), developed countries pledged to provide a total amount of 30 billion U.S. dollars in 2010 to 2012 as “quick start” funds to help developing countries reduce carbon emission. The European Union undertook one third of the total. The Green Climate Fund will reach 100 billion U.S. dollars per year by 2020.
However, E.U. countries claimed that this fund should be drawn not only from national fiscal, but also innovative financing channels, especially the private enterprises and carbon trading market. Therefore, the European Union attempts to take unilateral measures on carbon emission problems of international aviation and shipping industry.
China: protest over E.U. unilateral measures
“China, together with many countries, is firmly against the E.U. unilateral measures against international aviation and shipping carbon emissions. Facts prove that, such measures are neither popular nor practical. The solution of above issues must be subject to full consultation in line with multilateral framework, and should neither break the basic legal framework outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, nor violate the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ and the principle of fairness. We hope the E.U. countries could face up to the international concerns and dedicate to solving the problem, rather than making it further complicated”, said Hong Lei, spokesman of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a regular press conference held in Beijing on March 1.
Source: People’s Daily
