Greenpeace Africa strongly opposed the push for unreliable market-based mechanisms as a solution to the climate crisis, warning that they undermine real climate action to address the growing crisis facing African communities.
Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist for Greenpeace Africa, said in Baku, Azerbaijan, this week, “carbon markets are perpetuating a dangerous form of carbon colonialism in Africa. We’ve witnessed widespread resource exploitation and land grabs across the continent, where local communities and indigenous people are displaced by offset projects that primarily benefit corporations from the Global North. This system allows wealthy nations to continue polluting while outsourcing their climate responsibilities to Africa, effectively turning our lands into carbon dumps while failing to address the root causes of the climate crisis.”
Njehu also said instead of these market mechanisms, Greenpeace proposes making polluters pay for the damage they have caused, through the Climate Damages Tax.
“We also propose that the New Quantified Goal on Climate Finance includes issues of adaptation, loss and damage that are a priority to the African continent.
Investing in renewable energy, enhancing climate adaptation and resilience and supporting community-led conservation efforts are more effective and equitable solutions.
These approaches not only reduce GHG emissions at the source but also empower local communities to lead in the fight against climate change.”
It is important for African leaders to intervene and save the continent from the unjust fossil fuel industry, ensuring the preservation of the environment and the well-being of its communities.
A petition signed by 10,000 people was submitted to Ali-Mohamed, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), at COP29!
Picture: The petition demands an investment in renewable energy for communities, an end to destructive fossil fuel projects, climate finance that truly supports those most affected.
It also demands polluters be held accountable to fund climate action.