'Carbon credits not panacea for climate'

Carbon credits are not a panacea for the climate crisis in Kenya. [iStockphoto]

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have cautioned the government that carbon credits are not a panacea for the climate crisis in Kenya.

They argue that the schemes are not a magical solution and call for the establishment of clear regulatory oversight mechanisms for carbon market activities.

They also want the government to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental and social standards to prevent exploitation and environmental degradation.

The recently Amended Climate Change Act provides guidelines for market-based mechanisms, including emissions trading and the creation of carbon markets.

However, IBON Africa, a Kenya-based NGO, has raised concerns that these markets are "false solutions" and fail to effectively combat the pressing climate crisis.

Campaign

This was during the launch of a national campaign titled, 'Reclaim our Land, Forests and Rivers' which is focused on raising awareness on false solutions relating to climate action, their implications and how communities can advance their actions and solutions amidst the corporate capture of the climate agenda.

The NGO argues that carbon markets allow corporations and industries in the developed world to continue emitting greenhouse gases while buying offsets elsewhere, often in vulnerable and marginalised communities in the developing world.

It warns this could lead to the continuation of unsustainable practices and increased vulnerability to climate impacts in Kenya.

"Instead, carbon markets only allow Global North corporations and industries to continue emitting greenhouse gases while simply buying offsets elsewhere, often in Global South communities that are already vulnerable and marginalized," said IBON Africa Coordinator Carolina Muturi.