Sunday, February 3, 2008

ADB’s Carbon Market Initiative: A Low Hanging Fruit?


Hemantha Withanage, NGO Forum on ADB

Over the years, it has proven that greenhouse gases have contributed to climate change. And yet, the Asian Development Bank still supports fossil fuel-dependent projects, such as coal and gas, which are known sources of greenhouse gases. The Bank’s measure that intends to offset carbon emissions by its funded gas and coal projects has only destroyed natural forests and grasslands as in the case of its oil palm and industrial timber plantation projects. Said promotion of monoculture has only harmed biodiversity rather than its intended purpose – reduction of greenhouse gases.

Meanwhile, ADB’s Board Chair, Japanese Finance Minister Koji Omi, foresees nuclear power as a solution to the present crisis on climate change. This was strongly criticized by environmental groups during the 40th AGM that was held in May 2007 in Kyoto, Japan.

FULL STORY

No comments: