Developing carbon credits in adaptation finance in Africa

This White Paper critically examines the challenges and limitations of carbon offset initiatives, particularly focusing on the REDD+ scheme and its effectiveness in achieving genuine greenhouse gas reductions. It highlights issues related to permanence, human rights, baseline establishment, carbon accounting, leakage, and transparency, revealing that many offsets may not deliver the promised emissions reductions. The paper also addresses the rising concerns over greenwashing and the ethical implications of offset projects on local communities, calling for the development of high-integrity carbon credits that ensure transparency, community benefits, and adherence to best practices. As demand for quality offsets increases, the paper advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks and independent validation to enhance trust and effectiveness in voluntary carbon markets

Download Report