Indigenous peoples rush to stop ‘false climate solutions’ ahead of next international climate meeting

This story is part of the Global Indigenous Affairs Desk, a collaboration between Grist, High Country News, ICT, Mongabay, Native News Online, and APTN. Tom Goldtooth of the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) has called for a permanent end to carbon markets. The IEN argues that carbon markets harm, exploit, and divide Native communities globally. The recommendation was presented at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and is the most comprehensive moratorium on the issue the panel has heard. The urgency comes as provisions in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement on carbon markets are expected to be finalized at COP29. Goldtooth stated that carbon markets are “a smokescreen” that allows fossil fuel polluters to continue emitting carbon. The IEN opposes carbon markets because they benefit polluting industries and do not effectively reduce emissions. The organization’s moratorium would end various carbon dioxide removal projects. Last year, the IEN called for a temporary halt to carbon markets, but now seeks a permanent ban. The recommendations aim to discourage the growth of carbon markets to protect Indigenous lands and resources. Organizations at the UN are discussing ways to protect Indigenous rights within carbon markets, but some Indigenous leaders stress the importance of self-determination before obtaining free, prior, and informed consent. Indigenous communities must have agency to decide whether to engage in carbon market projects. Time must be given for tribes to provide feedback and even reject proposals. The focus should be on improving Indigenous self-determination to prevent exploitation by carbon offset companies.