Global Plan to Cut Shipping Emissions Collapses After US and Saudi Push Back

A major global plan to cut pollution from ships has fallen apart. More than 100 countries met in London this week to approve a deal that was reached in April. That deal would have made shipping the first industry in the world with legally required climate targets.

But the talks collapsed after strong pressure from the United States and Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump called the plan a “green scam” and warned countries that backing it could lead to tariffs. On Friday, Saudi Arabia asked to delay the talks for a full year. A small majority of countries agreed, which means the plan is now stopped.

Many climate-vulnerable nations were angry. Vanuatu’s climate minister said the delay is “unacceptable” during a climate emergency. Some small island states changed their vote after pressure from the US. Many depend on the US for trade and feared the consequences.

The shipping industry itself had supported the deal. It wanted one global rulebook so companies could plan investments. Ships carry nearly 90% of all goods traded in the world. They also create 3% of global emissions — and that share is rising.

The rejected deal would have forced ships to start using cleaner fuel from 2028 or pay fines. Supporters say this was a key step to force change. But the US, Saudi Arabia, and a few others said the rules could raise prices for consumers.

Environmental groups are warning that this setback will cost the world time. Without new rules, emissions from shipping could rise sharply by 2050. Talks are now officially delayed, and the original timeline no longer looks possible.

For now, the world’s shipping pollution will continue without new limits — despite more than ten years of negotiations.