United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday for an "agreement targeting net greenhouse gas emissions to reach zero by 2050." This statement was made during remarks for discussions about this vital industry taking place in London this week, where Guterres urged efforts to accelerate carbon elimination. However, the goals face resistance from China, according to a diplomatic memo from Beijing.
In a recorded message, Guterres stated, "I urge you to leave London having agreed on a strategy regarding greenhouse gases that commits the sector to net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest." He added, "This includes ambitious scientific targets starting in 2030, both in terms of comprehensive emission reductions and the use of clean fuel."
Maritime transport, which moves approximately 90 percent of global trade, accounts for nearly three percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. There are calls from environmental advocates and investors for more tangible actions, including the implementation of a carbon emissions tax. Member states of the International Maritime Organization, the UN’s shipping agency, are meeting in London this week to adopt a developed strategy for greenhouse gas emissions.
