Climate Activists Greet IMO Delegates with Massive Banners Demanding: “Stand Up to Trump & the Petrostates! Green Shipping Now!”

The outcome of these talks will determine not just how shipping decarbonizes, but whether billions in revenue are directed to the countries most affected by climate breakdown. Vulnerable nations—who did the least to cause the crisis but face its worst impacts—stand to benefit most. The message was unmissable for all delegate and passersby. Like London’s iconic “Mind the Gap” signs, the message is clear and directive: Stand up to Trump and the petrostates. Deliver green shipping now. Positioned directly along the route into the talks and dominating the riverfront skyline, the action was designed to ensure that every delegate enters the building under public scrutiny at a defining moment for global climate policy.   Em Fenton, Senior Director of Climate Diplomacy, at Opportunity Green stated: “The IMO Net-Zero Framework is not just a climate measure – it’s a test of whether international cooperation can survive in an era of increasing geopolitical pressure. A majority of the world’s nations want this to succeed. Opposition may be loud, but that doesn’t mean it will drown out the voices for ambition and justice, many of whom come from communities most greatly affected by climate impacts.”

Andrew Nazdin, Director of Glasgow Actions Team, stated: “The only beneficiaries of Trump’s foreign policy of chaos are the same oil executives he invited to Mar-a-Lago for fundraising dinners — and the rest of us are stuck with instability, war, and price spikes. Countries like Greece and Cyprus need to decide if they really want to align themselves with Trump and the other petrostates, or if they’re ready to say ‘enough is enough.’”

International maritime shipping emits about one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year—almost three times as much as the yearly emissions from the United Kingdom as a whole. Yet this sector has escaped serious regulation for decades. Now, after years of delay, the IMO is taking steps to adopt a global carbon levy.

The Net Zero Framework (NZF), already negotiated and backed by a majority of countries, would introduce the world’s first global carbon price on shipping. But after being delayed last year amid political pressure, it now faces a critical inflection point: it can move forward—or be weakened or abandoned entirely.

Over 60 countries support the measure, particularly climate-vulnerable nations who stand to benefit if revenues are directed toward climate finance and adaptation.  Yet some major shipping powers, including Greece—the owner of the world’s largest commercial fleet—and Cyprus, are now distancing themselves from the broader European position in favor of delay or dilution. Critics warn this risks undermining both European leadership and global momentum.

Environmental leaders have also criticized this retreat. Ahead of the IMO meeting, WWF Greece CEO Demetres Karavellas warned that opposing the framework at this moment is “inconsistent with the leadership role that Greek shipping has long claimed for itself.”

Fenton added: “We must remember that what happens at these IMO meetings matters far beyond the shipping industry. It will determine whether billions of dollars in revenue reaches the countries, communities, and zero-emission technology projects that need it most, accelerating an equitable transition for all.”  If approved, this levy could generate tens of billions annually. Vulnerable nations, which did the least to cause the climate crisis but suffer its worst effects, would benefit the most—through funding for adaptation, resilience, and a just transition—if it’s treated as climate finance, not just reinvested in the shipping industry. Data show a levy is the cheapest way to drive the sector’s energy transition, and help shield the poorest and most vulnerable economies from its impacts–provided that the revenues are invested strategically, with careful attention to ensuring it’s implemented equitably.      Spokespeople from a variety of social and global movements spanning the issues of climate, development, and international debt will be available for interviews throughout the week.