The Carbon Conspiracy

Once upon a time, there was a thriving rural community ...

Meanwhile, far away in the offices of Greenfuel Corporation . . .

By the time the community heard about the monoculture plantation, it was already underway. They had not been consulted.

When community members finally managed to meet with the project representatives, plenty of promises were made.

Many of the women in the community – conservationists, collectors, food gatherers and producers – voiced their scepticism, but their voices were marginalized, and many in the community agreed to support the carbon offset project. They gave up more of their lands to grow eucalyptus trees in exchange for “carbon credits” that they were told could be sold to multinational corporations and other companies trying to claim green credentials. “You just have to grow the trees, and the money will come to you,” they were told.

But things quickly began to go wrong. Villagers' access rights to their forests and resources, including food, water, and firewood, were restricted, destroying their lives and livelihoods.

Their crops no longer grew due to the monoculture plantations. Women, the primary food growers and domestic providers, were hit hardest.

And with traditional farming and practices gone, the dreams of the youth were shattered, putting the future of the culture and traditional knowledge at risk.

Young people were forced to go to the cities in search of work.

All the while, the corporations continued to pump climate-destroying emissions into the atmosphere, using "carbon offset" schemes and other false solutions to greenwash their destructive practices.

The community organised to fight back and share their experiences with others.

Scientific evidence proved that carbon offset projects are doing nothing to solve the climate crisis and, in fact, are delaying the vital work of cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Together, the community committed to fighting to preserve their rights, lands, and traditions, and pursuing real solutions to the climate crisis.

Because our lands, our peoples, our planet, and our future deserve better.

Carbon markets and offsetting do not lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It is a continuation of business as usual for the Global North and rising consumption whilst shifting responsibilities for climate action to the Global South.

They are a threat to Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and especially women in all their diversities. Let’s choose real solutions for a sustainable, gender-just, and rights-based future. Because a just and sustainable future for all is possible. The Real Solutions are already out there and already being implemented.

Take action today because
tomorrow may be too late.

To find out more, visit the
Global Forest Coalition website at www.globalforestcoalition.org and the CLARA website at https://www.clara.earth/

Story and illustrations by Ismail Wolff