The Acid Age: Chokepoint behind the AI power surge
Nobody can order a smelter to make more of its own exhaust, and the exhaust just became the thing everyone needs
In March 2026, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced it was investigating "structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors" in 16 economies.
The U.S. has threatened countries supporting the tax with visa restrictions, tariffs, and port fees. A slim majority of nations still back it.
The shipping industry is responsible for 3 percent of global climate emissions. The Trump administration and the Iran war are complicating efforts to clean it up.
Trade policy researcher and former member of the U.S. delegation to IMO, Evelyne Williams breaks down the possible scenarios that could unfold when countries gather at MEPC 84 to discuss the future of the Net-Zero Framework (NZF).
American officials are drafting a diplomatic cable that warns dozens of countries against adopting a climate fee on the shipping industry.