#USA #Washington #Climate Crisis #Carbon Tax #US Policy

USA's Rejection of the Global Carbon Tax

On August 12, 2025, the US State Department issued a strong statement against attempts to impose a global carbon tax on shipping, considering it a misguided effort towards Net Zero targets. The Friends of Science Society highlighted the inconsistency of small Pacific Island nations, which had sought an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate responsibilities while squaring their own roles in global marine registry services.

The joint declaration was led by prominent government officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. This rebuttal aligns with concerns voiced at the World Economic Forum regarding the potential creation of a carbon tax that could significantly alter international trade dynamics by 2030.

The Hypocrisy of Small Island Nations

The Friends of Science Society pointed out that many of the small Pacific Island nations advocating for stricter climate policies rely heavily on marine registries as a source of revenue. Vanuatu, which spearheaded the ICJ request, operates a significant marine registry service. This contradiction raises questions about the genuine intent of these nations amidst their claims of facing an 'existential crisis' due to climate change.

The narrative surrounding the Marshall Islands was particularly scrutinized. At the 2015 Paris Agreement, former Canadian minister Catherine McKenna referred to the Marshall Islands' precarious situation, depicting them as on the verge of sinking. However, an interview with Dr. John D. Harper revealed that the perceived rise in sea levels is more a matter of erosion rather than actual sea level rise—a point consistently overlooked.

The Friends of Science Society maintains a comprehensive collection of research that contests mainstream alarmist narratives concerning climate change, including claims about rising sea levels. Notably, they suggest that the high-profile representations of climate catastrophes, such as those presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, fail to account for geological factors that are often mistaken for climate change impacts.

Scientific Disputes and Media Silence

A deep dive into the recent US Department of Energy (DOE) Climate Science report unveils findings that dispute the notion of an urgent climate emergency, sparking discussions about the media's role in climate reporting. Critics assert that the media often glosses over nuanced scientific studies in favor of sensational narratives. Some experts, such as climate scientist Pielke, Jr., have expressed frustration with media inquiries that appear more driven by predetermined ideologies than a genuine search for the truth.

In this context, Friends of Science Society advocates for a more careful examination of climate science, urging that 'scientific inquiry should focus on investigation rather than compliance with popular beliefs.' They argue that recent studies illustrate that solar activity, rather than human activity quantified in carbon dioxide emissions, plays a more significant role in climate changes.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate encapsulates broader issues of scientific integrity, political motivations, and the economic ramifications of climate policy. As the world moves toward potential regulations that may reshape shipping and trade, the voices questioning existing paradigms are increasingly vital in the pursuit of balanced discussions concerning the future of our climate and economy. The Friends of Science Society continues to challenge prevailing narratives, asserting the necessity for critical dialogue over blind acceptance, stating firmly that true science thrives on inquiry, not compliance.