In the run-up to the important meeting of the IMO Environment Committee MEPC82, the Caribbean states have made a joint demand to the public: the views of the small island developing states (SIDS) should be given greater consideration.
MEPC82 will include discussions and “difficult negotiations” on global carbon pricing and the decarbonisation of maritime transport.
The Marine Environment Protection Committee will discuss a range of environmental issues, including proposed medium-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, including technical and economic measures.
The Caribbean islands – Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and St. Vincent – are calling for a universal greenhouse gas levy on ship emissions as an economic measure “to ensure that all greenhouse gas emitters make an appropriate contribution.” The states want the funds/revenues from the levy to be distributed in such a way that SIDs and least developed countries (LDCs) are supported in climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.
In the Caribbean, the countries believe this could mean
- Enabling the modernisation of port infrastructure in the region,
- Supporting Caribbean shipowners in retrofitting ships to make them cleaner,
- supporting the research and development of new fuels,
- and funding the training of seafarers, among other initiatives.
The member states participating in MEPC 82 intend to discuss a range of proposals to combat climate change. The small island states of the Caribbean want to work together to ensure that any measures introduced are “fair and equitable” for all countries, especially developing countries.
Caribbean feels climate change
Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Jamaica Maritime Authority, said: “The maritime world is strongly committed to decarbonisation and is making good progress. However, we must not lose sight of the impact new regulations can have on smaller countries and we all need to help them meet global standards.”
He explained: “In the Caribbean, we are already paying 7.5% higher freight rates. The revenue from a mandatory levy should be used to improve resilience to climate change.” He also pointed out that the Caribbean is already feeling the effects of climate change as extreme weather events, such as the recent Hurricane Beryl, are becoming more frequent. “We know first-hand what we are up against and we are determined to work together to protect our oceans and our world for future generations,” Smith added.
