Scam?: From Reforestation to CO2 Offsetting - The Tricks Behind the Carbon Business
The carbon offset market, valued at billions, is at the center of controversy, accused of being a "modern sale of indulgences" that fails to address the real causes of climate change.
The Problem with Carbon Offsets
"Over 9% of traded carbon credits are fake." These offsets allow companies to pay for projects that supposedly balance their emissions, but their effectiveness is questionable. Often, they merely serve as corporate greenwashing instead of reducing emissions.
Inequality in Carbon Emissions
"The European Union remains responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, despite representing less than 6% of the world’s population." This imbalance highlights climate injustice, as major emitters fail to take proportional responsibility.
Failures in Offset Projects
"Deforestation in Barra Patuca has continued, and only a few kilos of carbon have been offset, not tons as claimed." Projects in countries like Honduras face immense challenges, with results falling far short of initial promises. Flawed methodologies also allow the manipulation of environmental impact calculations.
Indigenous Communities’ Perspective
"Culturally, the indigenous community are the true guardians of nature." Indigenous leaders criticize the lack of direct support for their communities while external actors exploit natural resources. Migration and logging as survival strategies further reflect the failure of these initiatives.
Questionable Efficiency
"Offset projects can only be effective if their additionality and durability are proven." Many of these projects lack evidence of real impact, and unintended consequences, such as reduced farmland, further complicate their feasibility.
The Need for Regulations
"The new European Parliament directive bans companies from making climate claims without evidence." This change aims to set clear standards and prevent offsets from being mere facades. If implemented globally, it could revolutionize climate action strategies.