REDD+ assigns economic value to forests to combat climate change, but flawed implementation in voluntary carbon markets has turned it into an ethical crisis enabling greenwashing. Reform must ensure genuine, verifiable, and equitable outcomes, as the credibility of forest-based climate action depends on transparent and accountable systems.
Copyright infringement not intended Picture Courtesy: DOWNTOEARTH Context A new study published in the journal Science reveals that only a small fraction of tropical forest carbon offset projects, which operate under the REDD+ programme, are successfully reducing deforestation. What is the REDD+ Program? REDD+ means Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation Plus. It is developed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is an international initiative that provides economic incentives to developing countries to preserve their forests, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as deforestation is the second-largest source of CO2 emissions after fossil fuels. How does it work? The program is funded through the voluntary carbon market. Polluting industries and other corporations buy "carbon offsets" from over 350 voluntary REDD+ projects worldwide. Carbon Credits: Buying one carbon credit is equivalent to funding an...
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