US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Podesta has strongly suggested that the US is likely to implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) of its own. In an interview with the Financial Times, Podesta stated the need to address carbon intensive sectors and for protectionist measures for America’s clean energy sectors. “What we need is to move towards a global trading system that is going to push towards clean. If you create a system that has short-term benefits, but a long-term vulnerability, you haven’t created stability in the transition.” If successful, the US would follow the EU in implementing a CBAM, with the latter’s programme aimed at cement and steel imports. Podesta’s remarks also come in light of US tariffs on electric vehicles and solar panels from China.
