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The international REDD+ program stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. The idea behind it: Because forests absorb CO2, they can offset emissions—and certificates for this can be traded on carbon markets. However, the program has been controversially debated from the beginning. Activists and communities criticize it as not being a solution to the climate crisis – but a form of carbon colonialism. Emission reductions through forests difficult to measure – depending on how they are managed and their condition, forests can also be a source of CO2 – which means that in the end, emissions may not be reduced at all. Other as promised, indigenous and forest communities do not benefit from the projects. On the contrary, projects from around the world show the devastating effects of including forests in carbon markets. In Brazil, REDD+ projects have lead to the intensivation of land conflicts, the privatisation of costumary lands and increased violence against forest communities. In Zambia, affected communities have lost access to the forest and are no longer allowed to use its trees, products or hunt animals. Meanwhile, landowners, conservation NGOs and consultants benefit, and the emission trading enables countries and companies of the North to take measures to reduce their emissions. Protecting forests is important – but they are not a commodity that should be traded on international carbon markets.
