BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, 12 NOV 2024 – The Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) coalition has condemned Monday’s attempt by the COP presidency to the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku Azerbaijan to adopt a consensus on standards for the creation of carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
The coalition, in a statement on November 12, 2024, said the attempt to ram through rules further legitimising carbon markets is a clear departure from established precedent and protocol that must be condemned.
The Africa MBPP coalition urged parties to reject and reverse the letter and spirit of the Article 6.4 standards, noting that carbon markets are a dangerous distraction which not only furthers the interests of Big Oil and other corporations seeking to continue legitimising fossil fuels expansion and using offsets to greenwash their emissions, but would also worsen the climate crisis in Global South countries who produce the least emissions but are at the frontline of the consequences.
COP29 President had described the COP29 Opening Plenary attempt as a possible “game-changing tool to direct resources to the developing world,” saying it would enable climate action by increasing demand for carbon credits and ensure that the international carbon market operates with integrity under the supervision of the United Nations.
But the Africa MBPP coalition, among other global climate justice allies, rejected this view, pointing out that carbon markets are neither climate finance nor climate justice, adding that the Global North, historically responsible for the global climate crisis, should fulfil its responsibilities, including paying the Global South US$5 trillion annually in reparations, as a down payment toward their climate debt, which according to a study is expected to rise to US$192 trillion by 2050, even if we can limit warming to an average 1.5°C.
“This is an appalling action by the COP29 president to take a unilateral decision of this nature after his opening statement that we need quality, ambitious and transformative climate actions, and to work together as a collective.”
“Approving this action without negotiations is disappointing and bizarre, giving oil giants and corporations a platform to leverage on. Carbon markets are not climate finance, we need meaningful, transformative and developmental climate finance and not carbon markets and corporate greenwashing,” said Ndivile Mokoena, Gender Equality, Climate & Social Justice Specialist at GenderCC SA – Women for Climate Justice, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“As sadly predicted, the COP29 will be forced to deliver on the carbon market as the means of climate finance. The carbon market projects that are already existing in Africa including monoculture plantations for carbon removal and REDD+ projects are seen as a curse for many Africans. They lead to forced eviction, land grabbing, soil and water pollution and this is not acceptable. Now more than ever, it is time to kick Big Polluters out and make them pay!” – Martins Olamide Ogunlade, Senior Programme Manager and Head of the Climate Campaign, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA) Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“The carbon market is a dangerous distraction to real climate action. It will continue to legitimise fossil fuel expansion. Climate finance should focus on agroecology, community forest management, and just energy transition to save the planet and the people. The financialisation of nature is no longer possible, we reject the carbon market in Africa.” – Kwami Kpondzo, Executive Director – Centre for Environmental Justice Togo, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“The rushed implementation of carbon markets on the very first day of COP29 is a blatant disregard for democratic processes. It prioritises the profits of Big Polluters over the rights of communities who are already suffering the consequences of climate change.” – Amina Acola, Legal Associate, Africa Institute For Energy Governance (AFIEGO), Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“The failure of carbon markets has been laid bare, yet here we are, witnessing another attempt to legitimise a system that has only benefited the wealthy. We must unite against this injustice and ensure that climate finance flows to those who need it most.” – Dawda Cham, Climate Justice Advocate, HELP -Gambia, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“The decision to fast-track carbon markets sends a dangerous message: that profit is valued over people and the planet. We need to mobilise against these harmful schemes and advocate for genuine solutions that uplift frontline communities.” – Amb Sampson Godsent Wherdaigar, Chief Executive Director, Youth Go Green Network Liberia, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“The imposition of carbon markets threatens the rights of frontline communities and undermines our sovereignty. We will not stand by while our lands are exploited under the guise of climate solutions.” – Egholo Stanley Godspower, Project Officer & Lead, Translation & Interpretation Desk, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“As young people, we are inheriting a planet in crisis. The push for carbon markets at COP29 is a betrayal of our future. We must stand firm and demand solutions that prioritise our rights and the health of our planet.” – Kajumba Prisca, Programs Coordinator, Fridays For Future Uganda, Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
“This COP must not allow the interests of Big Polluters to dictate the future of our planet. We demand transparency and accountability, not backdoor deals that undermine our fight for climate justice.” – Aderonke Ige, Associate Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA) Africa Make Big Polluters Pay Coalition.
The Africa MBPP Coalition is committed to holding polluting corporations accountable for their significant contributions to the climate crisis. Through our innovative MBPP Storytelling Platform, we illuminate the detrimental effects of transnational corporations’ extractive practices, challenge misleading and false narratives, and advocate for sustainable alternatives. Our mission is to humanise the climate crisis and inspire collective action. We firmly believe that industries such as agribusiness and fossil fuels must face financial and criminal accountability for the environmental damage they cause.
Join us in this critical movement for justice and a sustainable future!
