The Secretary-General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO)—formerly OAPEC—Jamal Al-Loughani stated on Thursday that the withdrawal of the United States from negotiations to reduce carbon emissions from the maritime shipping sector has sparked international concern and poses a significant challenge to global efforts to combat climate change.

In remarks to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Loughani added that this decision reflects the ongoing tension between economic considerations and environmental commitments, embodying the current U.S. administration’s approach of prioritizing national interests over international environmental agreements.

He explained that the maritime transport sector is one of the major sources of carbon emissions, contributing approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions, placing it at the heart of international climate change discussions.

Given this substantial impact, he noted that the absence of the U.S.—as one of the key players in this sector—from ongoing negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) could hinder reaching a global consensus on proposed policies to curb these emissions.

Al-Loughani expressed concern that this withdrawal might deepen divisions within the IMO at a time when major nations hold divergent positions. While the European Union advocates for environmental levies on shipping as a necessary measure to reduce pollution, the U.S. fears such measures could negatively impact its national economy.

He warned that this disagreement could escalate trade tensions and increase restrictions on global trade flows if Washington continues to oppose such environmental policies.

However, he pointed out that the challenges resulting from the absence of U.S. leadership might create an opportunity for other countries to take the initiative in steering the green transition of the shipping sector. European nations, alongside ambitious developing countries like the Marshall Islands, could develop regional initiatives promoting clean shipping technologies, greater use of low-emission fuels, and renewable energy.

Al-Loughani stressed the importance of maintaining international dialogue in this field and the need to establish fair and balanced mechanisms that consider the economic interests of nations while addressing the urgent necessity to reduce carbon emissions and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.