US pulls out of global shipping carbon talks amid levy backlash

In a surprise move, the United States has exited critical UN talks on decarbonising global shipping, rejecting proposals for the first carbon levy on emissions. Labelling the measure as “blatantly unfair”, Washington signalled it may impose reciprocal fees if such levies are enforced against US ships.

This comes as the global shipping sector—responsible for nearly 3% of CO₂ emissions—faces mounting pressure to align with net zero targets by 2050. While a coalition led by the EU pushes for ambitious carbon pricing, the US stance highlights growing geopolitical tensions over climate policy and raises questions about global coordination in tackling maritime emissions.

Decarbonisation leaders and sustainability strategists take note—voluntary alignment may soon give way to fractured frameworks.

Read the full article for what this means for global net zero ambitions.