independent.co.uk
Article 6: Carbon Markets at COP29
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, aiming to establish international carbon markets, faces both hopes for efficient emission reduction and criticisms regarding potential negative impacts on vulnerable communities.
English
United Kingdom
Climate ChangeEnergy SecurityEnvironmentClimateMarketsEmissionsAgreement
United NationsCarbon Market WatchMercy Corps
Mukhtar BabayevIsa MulderAntonio GuterresDavid NicholsonKeir StarmerIlham Aliyev
- What is the main purpose of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement?
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement aims to create carbon markets where countries can trade emissions reductions. It offers two mechanisms: bilateral agreements between nations and a UN-governed international market.
- What are the potential benefits and risks associated with Article 6?
- While Article 6 could significantly reduce the cost of implementing national climate plans, concerns persist about its effectiveness and potential negative impacts on vulnerable communities if not implemented responsibly and transparently.
- How does Article 6 aim to achieve more efficient emission reductions?
- The goal of Article 6 is to reduce global emissions more efficiently and cost-effectively by allowing countries to buy and sell carbon credits. This incentivizes emission reduction in countries where it is cheaper to achieve.
- What were the main obstacles that delayed the finalization of Article 6?
- Negotiations on Article 6 were delayed for years due to disagreements on transparency, credit rules, and carbon removal credit standards. However, at COP29, some progress was made in establishing the basic framework.
- What are the main criticisms leveled against Article 6 by climate justice groups?
- Climate justice groups criticize Article 6, fearing that carbon markets allow major polluters to continue emitting at the expense of people and the environment, potentially leading to land grabbing and human rights abuses.