This sectoral briefing note, co-published with the Global Maritime Forum, looks at shipping. Although the interplay between trade and climate change mitigation efforts has gathered some attention in recent years, crucial elements of the trade, climate, and shipping interface have arisen as worthy of further exploration. This briefing note examines some of these interactions, with a specific focus on the regulation of shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions following the revised International Maritime Organisation GHG reduction strategy, including implications and considerations for developing countries.

The briefing note introduces climate action and impact scenarios and presents trade-related trends and dynamics in the shipping sector. The paper then explores opportunities and challenges for developing countries before setting out priorities for policy engagement and future analysis.

This briefing note and the series will help contribute to a better understanding of emerging trade and trade policy trends and dynamics and their implications within the various sectors, thereby supporting developing countries in identifying and advancing their climate and trade-related interests and priorities in international discussions.

The briefing notes in the series—covering sectors ranging from agriculture to carbon markets, critical minerals, digital trade, fisheries, fossil fuels, heavy industries, renewable energy, textiles, and transport—will inform a final report to be released in the coming months.

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Recommended citation: Criswell, E., Deyon, S., & Laffineur, L. (2024). Shipping – Trade, climate, and net zero pathways: Scenarios and implications for developing countries and climate-resilient development. Forum on Trade, Environment, & the SDGs (TESS) and Global Maritime Forum.