Furore over new carbon-trading plan

 
Developing  countries and human rights groups are heading few a clash at a U.N climate change meeting intended to stop the destruction of tropical forests. Diplomats from more than 100 countries are meeting in Accra, Ghana, to open talks on whether tropical forests should join the emerging global carbon market. This would allow countries and companies to earn money from not cutting down trees. The felling is responsible for almost 20 percent of annual global carbon emissions, making it a crucial target on the battle against global warming. The move which is backed strongly by many developing countries and the G8, is expected to greatly increase the financial value of forests, encourage governments and corporations to protect them, and would potentially transfer millions of dollars a year to some of the poorest countries. Human rights and environment groups are warning that the over hasty inclusion of forests in the post Kyoto carbon market could trigger a "land grab ", leaving millions of people worse off. Without clear guidelines on land ownership and the involvement of local people, the groups said, the money poured into preserving forests could also fuel violent conflict.

The Hindu, 23rd August 2008