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At COP29, New Rules for Carbon Markets Made Them Even More Controversial

Summary

COP29 approved controversial rules for international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling countries to trade emissions reductions. Critics argue the guidelines lack transparency, accountability, and sufficient safeguards, potentially allowing unreliable projects and fraud. Environmental groups warn the rules could create ineffective “cowboy carbon markets” that fail to reduce emissions. The measures also face criticism for prioritizing offsets over direct decarbonization by wealthy nations. While proponents claim the markets will lower emissions costs, opponents argue they merely redistribute pollution and undermine climate action. The agreement highlights the growing divide over carbon markets’ role in global climate strategies.

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