A joint resolution issued by a gathering of land and natural resource-based organizations and forest communities in Liberia signifies the growing unease surrounding the potential impacts of carbon trading and offsetting on their way of life. As custodians of the forests, they call for government intervention in the form of comprehensive policies and laws to regulate carbon emissions and protect the environment. Their collective voice is a powerful plea for the preservation of their communities and the forests of Liberia.
Background
Liberia, home to vast tracts of pristine forests, has emerged as a potential hub for carbon trading and offsetting. However, concerns are rising among land and forest communities over the potential impacts of these activities on their livelihoods and the environment.
Carbon trading involves the buying and selling of permits that allow entities to emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Offsetting refers to investments in projects that reduce or absorb carbon emissions, such as preserving forests.
In Liberia, organizations representing land and forest communities have come together to express their unease about carbon trading and offsetting. They argue that these measures could lead to the commodification of their lands and forests, with potential negative consequences for their traditional practices and cultural heritage.
Joint Resolution
In a recent joint resolution, the organizations called on the Liberian government to intervene and establish comprehensive policies and laws to regulate carbon emissions and protect the environment. They emphasized the following key points:
Impacts on Communities
Land and forest communities in Liberia rely heavily on their traditional lands for sustenance, income, and cultural identity. They fear that carbon trading and offsetting could disrupt their way of life in several ways:
Government Response
The Liberian government has acknowledged the concerns raised by land and forest communities. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to develop regulations for carbon trading and offsetting. These regulations will aim to address the following concerns:
FAQs
1. What is carbon trading? Carbon trading is the buying and selling of permits that allow entities to emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
2. How does carbon offsetting work? Carbon offsetting involves investments in projects that reduce or absorb carbon emissions, such as preserving forests or developing renewable energy sources.
3. What are the concerns of land and forest communities in Liberia? Communities fear that carbon trading and offsetting could lead to land grabbing, restrictions on traditional practices, and unfair contracts.
4. How is the Liberian government responding? The EPA is developing regulations for carbon trading and offsetting aimed at ensuring community participation, environmental protection, and social impacts.
5. Is carbon trading a viable solution to climate change? While carbon trading and offsetting can contribute to reducing emissions, they should not be used as a substitute for systemic changes that reduce fossil fuel use and promote sustainable practices.
On day 1,312 of Russia's war on Ukraine, tensions continue to escalate as Ukrainian drones target a Russian oil pumping station, Russian forces seize three more villages in eastern Ukraine, and NATO increases its presence in the Baltic Sea region. In response to the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian security service reports that the SBU caused a fire and halted operations in the Chuvashia region, while Russia's military announced its continued advance in Donetsk and Dnipro. Meanwhile, NATO's decision to deploy additional military assets comes after several days of unidentified drone sightings in Denmark and at military bases.
The upcoming India-Australia ODI series has drawn attention for multiple reasons, including the successful return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as white-ball players. Despite being relieved of captaincy, the duo is expected to continue playing in the format until the 2027 World Cup, according to Australia's Travis Head and India's Axar Patel. As both teams gear up for a high-stakes clash, the focus remains on the future of these two icons and their potential to lead India to another ODI World Cup victory.
Pakistani security forces have thwarted a suicide attack targeting their camp in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, after a vehicle loaded with explosives was driven into the perimeter wall. In a separate operation, 34 militants described as "India-backed terrorists" were killed in multiple engagements across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These operations form part of Pakistan's continued efforts to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country under the vision "Azm-e-Istehkam."
Amid an intensified wave of militant activity in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, security forces successfully foiled a major suicide attack on a military camp in North Waziristan's Mir Ali area. Four terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were killed in the exchange, with no casualties among security personnel. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of militant activity in the region, with recent counterterrorism operations resulting in the death of 88 militants, including several from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Former US President Donald Trump shared news on his social media platform about a “very productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they discussed progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump mentioned the possibility of a summit in Budapest involving top advisors from both countries, while also revealing that he will be meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the call and other matters. As India’s economy continues to grow, its luxury market is also thriving with high-end brands investing in the country to meet the increased demand.
Ukrainian President Zelensky is currently in Washington to meet with US President Trump. This meeting comes after Trump had a productive phone call with Russian President Putin, where they agreed to face-to-face talks in Hungary. Trump is considering arming Ukraine with advanced Tomahawk missiles, but stated that the US stockpile must also be preserved. Meanwhile, Trump has promised to update Zelensky on his discussions with Putin and believes that progress has been made.
The Ministry of External Affairs has denied that a phone conversation took place between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, contradicting Trump's claim that Modi personally assured him that India would stop purchasing Russian crude oil. Trump had announced this move as a big step, describing that the process had already begun. However, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that there was no discussion between the two leaders during a weekly briefing. This contradiction comes after the last confirmed phone call between the two on 9 October, when they discussed trade negotiations.
President Donald Trump announces plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, following a productive phone call between the two leaders. The talks will include high-level advisers from both sides, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, there is little indication of progress in ending the war in Ukraine, and Trump is likely to face pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Washington, D.C. for the US to provide military support to Ukraine.
US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have had their first conversation since August, with plans to meet in person in Hungary. They discussed trade and teams from both countries will meet next week. This came a day before Ukraine's President Zelensky's visit to the White House and amid discussions about arming Ukraine with deep-striking Tomahawk missiles. Despite the talks, Ukraine's ambassador to the US says Moscow's recent actions show their real attitude towards peace and call for tougher responses such as sanctions and military reinforcement.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has announced plans for a new anti-drone system in response to ongoing fears of Russian aggression. The proposed "defence roadmap" includes measures such as improving Eastern borders and creating air and space shields. With several European countries facing airspace incursions, the EU is taking steps to be fully prepared for possible conflict by 2030. The announcement comes ahead of talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Trump indicating that the US could provide Ukraine with long-range missiles if the war in Ukraine continues.