The Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) coalition has issued a strong warning against the ongoing discussions surrounding carbon markets at the COP29 climate talks.
The coalition, representing 27 members across the continent, expressed grave concerns over the proposed text on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which could entrench harmful carbon market mechanisms in the global response to climate change.
The finalization of the draft text on Article 6 at COP29 is a pivotal moment in climate negotiations.
Article 6, which outlines how countries can collaborate to meet their climate goals, has become a point of contention, especially due to provisions that promote carbon markets and offset schemes.
These market-based mechanisms, which allow major polluters—mostly from the Global North—to buy "pollution allowances" from developing nations, are seen by the Africa MBPP coalition as a dangerous strategy that could undermine genuine climate action.
According to the coalition, carbon markets do not reduce emissions; they merely shift them from one place to another.
The European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) is often cited as a model, yet its track record has been problematic, with emissions failing to decrease and instances of fraud, corruption, and profit-making by large polluting corporations.
The Africa MBPP argues that such systems allow powerful countries and industries to continue polluting without facing the full consequences, depriving nations in the Global South of their right to development and climate justice.
The coalition's concerns focus on two specific provisions of Article 6: the implementation of emissions trading systems (Article 6.2) and the introduction of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (Article 6.4).
The MBPP partners contend that these schemes would disproportionately affect countries in Africa, which have contributed the least to the climate crisis but are already bearing the brunt of its impacts.
“We stand firmly against carbon markets,” said an MBPP spokesperson.
“These mechanisms do not serve the interests of vulnerable communities, and they exacerbate inequality by allowing rich nations and corporations to evade their responsibilities.
“Instead of pushing harmful financial schemes, we need policies that prioritize the rights of nature and sustainable development,” he added.
The coalition has called on the COP29 parties to reject any draft text that lacks proper consultation with all stakeholders, particularly developing countries like those in Africa.
They also emphasized the importance of a transparent process, one that acknowledges the concerns of the African Group and Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC).
Africa’s MBPP partners advocate for non-market approaches that integrate climate action with biodiversity conservation and the protection of ecosystems.
They urge the inclusion of “Mother Earth Centric Actions” in the negotiations, which would prioritize the interconnectedness of climate change, biodiversity, and the rights of indigenous and local communities.
The MBPP coalition remains committed to advocating for policies that hold polluting industries accountable, particularly agribusiness and fossil fuels, which have historically caused significant environmental damage.
Through their MBPP Storytelling Platform, the coalition aims to highlight the devastating effects of transnational corporations' extractive practices and inspire collective action for a just and sustainable future.
The Africa Make Big Polluters Pay coalition continues to push for climate justice, calling on all countries to engage in meaningful dialogue and make decisions that promote equity and long-term ecological health.
As COP29 progresses, the coalition stands firm in its mission to ensure that climate solutions reflect the needs and rights of the most vulnerable communities.
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