Red Sales In the Sunset

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) assembled representatives of 175 governments, in London, to try to deal with shipping's major contribution to 'greenhouse gas' emissions. A levy on emissions from International shipping was proposed, to fund climate crisis's impact on developing countries. Predictably, this was blocked by some nations. Blockers included China, Russia and Saudi Arabia, along with countries 'flying flags of convenience' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/07/shipping-emissions-levy-delayed-but-goals-for-greenhouse-gas-cuts-agreed). The IMO intends to use a measure they call 'carbon intensity'. By 2030, they aspire to reduce this measure by 40%, from 2008 levels. Carbon intensity looks at the emissions produced per 'cargo' and links this to the distance travelled. There's plenty of scope here for 'greenwashing'. What's to be included in the 'cargo'? Cruise passengers and their entertainment? Fuel for the journey and the ship's crew? Interestingly, the IMO predict 'total emissions' will decline by a less impressive 20% by 2030. Pretty obviously, 'carbon intensity' makes a reduction look much better than it actually is. 'Aspirations' to reach 'carbon zero' at a later date (2050 or 2060) were also trumpeted. Suggestions were made about improving shipping's fuel and (possibly) augmenting headway by fitting sails. The IMO output all seems a bit 'pie in the sky'. Most environmentalists favour an early introduction of a shipping levy. They also want to see a much faster reduction of the sector's total emissions.