Carbon colonialism’: Locals forced out as Dubai carbon credit company makes land grab in Africa

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: In Liberia, about 10% of the country's land has been sold to Dubai-based Blue Carbon for carbon credit projects
• These initiatives, intended to offset pollution by preserving forests, have led to evictions and protests by local communities who claim they weren't consulted

🔭 The context: Blue Carbon aims to profit by selling carbon credits to companies seeking to offset their emissions
• However, there is significant controversy over whether these credits provide real climate benefits, and the term 'carbon colonialism' is being used to describe the exploitation and displacement of Indigenous communities

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: While such projects are purported to combat climate change by preventing deforestation, critics argue they lack transparency and can actually harm the environment by displacing communities, potentially leading to deforestation elsewhere

⏭️ What's next: The Liberian government has paused the deal with Blue Carbon amid elections and public backlash
New rules are being formulated to ensure future carbon credit sales are more equitable and consider the well-being of local communities

💬 One quote: "There is no opposition to fighting climate change, but it has to be done in a way that respects people’s rights and does not breach the law," stated Ambulah Mamey, a Liberian activist

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