Global warming activists covered the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London with banners demanding 'Stand up to Trump & the petrostates! Green shipping now!' as delegates arrived for talks on a global carbon levy, reported the American Journal of Transportation.

The action was staged to ensure delegates entered under public scrutiny at a critical moment for climate policy. Campaigners said the outcome of the talks will determine whether shipping decarbonizes and whether billions in revenue are directed to vulnerable nations most affected by climate breakdown.

Em Fenton of Opportunity Green stated that the IMO Net Zero Framework is a test of international cooperation under geopolitical pressure. Andrew Nazdin of the Glasgow Actions Team criticized Trump's policies, saying they benefit oil executives while fueling instability and price spikes.

International shipping emits about one billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, nearly three times the UK's total. The Net Zero Framework would introduce the first global carbon price on shipping, but it faces opposition after delays last year.

More than 60 countries support the measure, particularly climate-vulnerable nations. However, Greece and Cyprus have distanced themselves from the broader European position, prompting criticism from environmental leaders, including WWF Greece CEO Demetres Karavellas.

Advocates argue that the levy could generate tens of billions annually if treated as climate finance, funding adaptation and resilience in poorer economies. They contend it is the cheapest way to drive shipping's energy transition and ensure an equitable outcome.

The US has labeled the entire Net Zero campaign a globalist scam to levy an international tax, siding with scientists who say CO2 does more good than harm.