Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 11/2011

Out of the Bunker: Time for a fair deal on shipping emissions

Tim Gore, Mark Lutes

September 2011

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

International shipping is a major - and rapidly growing - source of greenhouse gas emissions. Agreement to apply a carbon price to shipping can both reduce emissions and raise funds for climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. This paper shows that doing so is possible while ensuring developing countries face no net costs. COP17 in Durban, South Africa at the end of 2011 provides an opportunity to agree the key principles of such a deal.