Headline

UN Backs Global Carbon Pricing Scheme For Shipping Industry

Published

8 months ago

April 17, 2025

In a landmark move, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed on a global carbon pricing mechanism for the shipping industry, marking a significant step toward tackling emissions from one of the world’s most polluting sectors.

The policy, expected to be formally adopted in October 2025, is projected to generate between $30–40 billion in revenues by 2030—roughly $10 billion annually. These funds will be ringfenced exclusively for decarbonising maritime transport, rather than contributing to broader climate finance for developing nations.

While hailed as a major breakthrough, the agreement is expected to deliver only a 10% absolute emissions reduction in the shipping sector by 2030—well below the IMO’s own revised strategy from 2023, which calls for at least a 20% reduction by the same year, and a stretch goal of 30%.

From 2028, vessels will either have to adopt lower-carbon fuel mixes or pay for excess emissions. Ships continuing to use conventional fossil fuels will face a charge of $380 per tonne for the most carbon-intensive portion of their emissions, and $100 per tonne for the remainder above a set threshold.

The agreement, supported by 63 countries—including Brazil, China, the EU, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, and Namibia—sets a global precedent. However, the policy faced strong opposition from oil-rich nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Russia, and Venezuela, who challenged both the substance and process of the deal. Despite the resistance, a compromise proposal championed by Norway, which chaired the negotiations, passed in the final vote.

Notably, the United States delegation was absent during the vote, having earlier circulated a proposal urging countries to withdraw from negotiations—a move that drew criticism from multiple quarters.

A bloc of over 60 nations, led by Pacific Island states, had advocated for the revenue to support broader climate resilience efforts in vulnerable nations. Speaking on behalf of the Pacific, Tuvalu expressed frustration at the lack of transparency and inclusion in the talks, warning that the new plan may fail to incentivise cleaner fuel adoption effectively.

While the agreement allows initial use of fossil-based liquefied natural gas (LNG), the pricing mechanism is designed to gradually penalise such fuels over time.

Minister Antony Derjacques of the Seychelles criticised the limited ambition of the deal.

He said, “The developing countries with the greatest need came here and offered a solution. How can the other major economies ask us to take a weak deal home to our people, who are suffering as a result of the climate crisis?”

Maria Ogbugo of the African Future Policies Hub viewed the outcome more positively.

She said, “The best possible outcome was achieved. African delegations, including Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa, must be commended. The shipping industry has taken the lead in showing that climate action is possible—even for hard-to-abate sectors.”

The Executive Director at the same organisation, Faten Aggad added “Reaching consensus on decarbonisation measures was never going to be easy. Yet the result still puts a price on emissions, which is a crucial starting point—especially for vulnerable economies.”

The maritime advisor at the Micronesian Centre for Sustainable Transport, Eldine Glees, highlighted the link between climate levies and sustainable development.

The advisor said, “Several African delegations showed exemplary leadership by tying the levy to food security, resilience, and equitable revenue distribution. Maintaining unity will be vital as implementation begins.”

The CEO of the European Climate Foundation and a key architect of the Paris Agreement, Laurence Tubiana, said the agreement was a step forward but not enough.

The CEO said, “The lack of a broader shipping levy is a missed opportunity. The world needs more cooperation, and progressive partners can still push for breakthroughs in climate finance.”

Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu said, “Let us be clear about who has abandoned 1.5°C. Saudi Arabia, the US, and other fossil fuel allies blocked progress at every turn. This was a chance to fund climate-vulnerable nations. It was lost.”

Ambassador Albon Ishoda of the Marshall Islands concluded with a note of resilience.

Headline

Netanyahu Asks Israeli President For Pardon From Corruption Charges

Published

20 hours ago

November 30, 2025

Editor

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has asked the country’s president for a pardon in his long-running corruption case, saying the criminal proceedings are hindering his ability to govern and that ending the trial would benefit the nation.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has denied the bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges.

His lawyers told the president’s office that he still believes the legal process will eventually lead to a complete acquittal.

“My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step,” Netanyahu said in a brief video statement released by his Likud party.

The prime minister, who has been on trial for five years, has not admitted guilt, and neither have his lawyers. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu should not receive a pardon unless he admits wrongdoing, expresses remorse and immediately withdraws from political life.

Pardons in Israel are usually granted only after a conviction, but Netanyahu’s lawyers argued the president can step in when public interest is at stake, saying intervention could help heal national divisions and promote unity.

President Isaac Herzog’s office described the request as “extraordinary” with “significant implications”. His office said the president “will responsibly and sincerely consider the request” after receiving the necessary opinions.

United States President, Donald Trump, recently wrote to Herzog urging him to consider approving the pardon, describing the case against Netanyahu as “a political, unjustified prosecution”.

Herzog’s office said the request will be sent to the justice ministry’s pardons department to gather assessments that will be forwarded to the president’s legal adviser, who will prepare a recommendation.

(Reuters)

Headline

US: Four Killed, 10 Others Wounded In California Shooting

Published

1 day ago

November 30, 2025

Editor

Four people were confirmed dead and 10 others injured after a shooting at a family gathering in California, United States on Saturday night, according to US police, who described the attack as a “targeted incident.”

The incident occurred inside a banquet hall in Stockton, northeast of San Francisco, shortly before 6:00 pm, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, Heather Brent, told reporters during a news briefing.

Brent said the victims, ranging from “juveniles to adults,” were rushed to nearby hospitals, noting that details about the shooting remained limited.

“What we have confirmed at this time is that there was a banquet hall where a family was celebrating. We have 14 victims of this shooting. Four of those are deceased,” Brent said.

“Early indications suggest that this may be a targeted incident. Investigators are exploring all possibilities at this time.”

The sheriff’s office posted on social media that detectives were “working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.”

“We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” the post added.

Authorities said no suspect had been identified at the time of the report.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the development, his office said in a social media statement.

Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows there have been 504 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, including the Stockton attack.

(AFP)

Headline

FULL LIST: US To Review Green Cards From 19 ‘Countries Of Concern’ After Washington Shooting

Published

3 days ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it will review the immigration status of all permanent residents, or “Green Card” holders, from Afghanistan and 18 other countries following the attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.

U.S. officials identified the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting as a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked alongside American forces in Afghanistan.

The individual was granted asylum earlier this year, not permanent residency, according to AfghanEvac, an organisation that assists Afghans resettled in the United States after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

“I have directed a full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern,” said Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on X.

The review follows a June executive order from President Trump classifying 19 countries as “of Identified Concern.”

The order banned entry for nearly all nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan. The full list of these countries is:

Afghanistan

Myanmar

Chad

Congo-Brazzaville

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Haiti

Iran

Libya

Somalia

Sudan

Yemen

A partial travel ban applies to seven additional countries, though some temporary work visas remain allowed: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.