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November 20, (THEWILL) – The Africa Make Big Polluters Pay coalition has voiced serious concerns over ongoing discussions about carbon markets at the COP29 United Nations Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The coalition has criticised the inclusion of carbon trading schemes in the draft text on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which was recently concluded and will be forwarded for adoption at the conference.
Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation on climate targets, has become a point of contention.
The Africa MBPP argues that the provisions, particularly those pushed by the United States and the European Union, risk prioritising carbon markets and offsets as the primary solution to the climate crisis.
According to the coalition, these markets allow major polluters, primarily from the Global North, to purchase “pollution allowances” from countries in the Global South, where emissions are minimal, thus allowing the polluters to continue their harmful practices without facing accountability.
The Africa MBPP further asserts that carbon markets undermine the ability of Global South countries, particularly in Africa, to develop sustainably, as they deprive these nations of resources that could help them achieve economic growth and environmental protection.
There is also a growing body of evidence showing that carbon markets have failed to reduce emissions and have caused significant harm.
The European Union’s Emissions Trading System, often used as a model, has not only failed to curb emissions but has also led to corruption, fraud, and windfall profits for large polluters.
As negotiations on Articles 6.2 and 6.4 continue, the Africa MBPP firmly opposes the expansion of carbon markets, fearing they could undermine genuine climate action and disproportionately harm developing nations.
The coalition has urged the Conference of the Parties to reject any proposed texts that fail to reflect proper consultation with all parties, particularly those that would further legitimise harmful carbon trading schemes.
The group has also called for a transparent, inclusive process that ensures the voices of the African Group and Like-Minded Developing Countries are adequately represented in the final decisions.
The MBPP advocates for non-market approaches to climate action, focusing on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and the rights of nature.
They support the recognition of “Mother Earth Centric Actions” and urge negotiators to consider holistic, integrated solutions that address both climate change and environmental justice.
In a statement, the Africa MBPP reiterated its commitment to holding polluting corporations accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
Through its MBPP Storytelling Platform, the coalition aims to raise awareness about the damaging practices of transnational corporations and advocate for sustainable alternatives.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
