The recent climate summit in Baku resulted in the creation of a new international carbon market, concluding nearly a decade of negotiations. However, concerns have been raised by human rights organizations about the potential for increased carbon trading to exacerbate human rights abuses. Carbon credits are meant to represent greenhouse gas emissions that have been reduced or avoided, but investigations have revealed deceptive practices in the industry.
Reports from organizations like SOMO and Human Rights Watch have exposed cases of sexual harassment, abuse, and forced evictions in major carbon projects in Kenya and Cambodia. These projects have issued millions of carbon credits, generating significant revenue, yet have failed to address the harm caused to local communities. Despite being certified by Verra, a major standard-setter in the voluntary carbon market, these projects have continued to operate without adequate accountability.
Verra’s review processes for addressing human rights abuses have been criticized as inadequate, with little on-site verification and a failure to compensate affected communities. While Verra aims to position itself as a key player in guiding the global expansion of carbon markets, its practices have left human rights violations unaddressed, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.
The agreements reached at COP29 have been welcomed by Verra and others in the industry, but concerns remain about the integrity of the carbon offset projects. It is essential that mechanisms for accountability and protection of human rights be strengthened in order to prevent further harm to communities affected by these projects.
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