Dear Friends of Tui’k Ruch’Lew,
Over the last 2 weeks, world leaders gathered at COP26 in Glasgow to discuss the path towards 1.5°C. Unfortunately, the results are absolutely insufficient. From the perspective of developing countries, the negotiations are especially disappointing.
The poorest countries are in danger of being completely forgotten. Too little attention was paid to the damage and loss already resulting from climate change. It must be clear to everyone that the developing countries are the main victims of climate change, but unfortunately there were no answers in Glasgow.
What’s needed is climate burden sharing from rich to poor, including significantly more support to protect people from climate impacts like the droughts and floods Guatemala has witnessed during the past decade. New mechanisms are also needed to boost investment in renewable energies in developing countries -- billions, if not trillions, will be required in the coming years.
During COP26 “strong” pledges were made to reduce methane emissions, phase out coal, and end deforestation. However, key discussions continue on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which contains provisions to strengthen the integrity of the carbon markets and to create a new global carbon offset mechanism. But, since the Paris Agreement in 2015, parties have so far failed to agree on the implementation of this framework.
As participants in the voluntary carbon market, we watched the developments during COP26 very closely. Article 6 is about bilateral carbon crediting. The Voluntary Carbon Market will work only if private companies and investors can get credit for emission savings from climate-friendly investments in developing countries -- without double counting. And the carbon market becomes even more complex when government and private emission reductions are combined because they are traded on two different markets (compliance and voluntary carbon market). Compliance Carbon Markets aim to set a carbon price through laws or regulations that control the supply of carbon permits, which are then distributed through national, regional, and global schemes. In contrast, Voluntary Carbon Markets are not mandated by law and involve companies and individuals choosing to offset their emissions or reduce their footprint.
Tui’k Ruch’Lew made the substantial financial and time commitment to become certified by Verra for our energy-efficient cookstove project, assuming that the Voluntary Carbon Market would support our development work. Based on our cost structure, 1 carbon credit costs $53. That is the price to avoid 1 tonne of CO2(e), and our projects also generate a high social impact for which we have been certified for 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, we are encountering real challenges when we try to sell our carbon credits at a reasonable price. But at a price of 5 to 10 dollars per tonne of CO2(e) avoided, we cannot install stoves without additional donations.
But, you can be a climate advocate today! Offset your carbon footprint with us. Get in touch with me to find out how, or donate to our clean cookstove program through our partner Global Giving.
Wondering how we save 1 tonne of CO2(e) with the energy-efficient cookstoves while making an impact in the Maya Tz’utujil communities of Santiago Atitlan? Then check out our new experiential video we created to show our contribution to the climate conference -- climate action, stove by stove.
Best wishes,
Jessica and the Tui’k Ruch’Lew team
The final deal on the COP26 climate deal has now been signed. Climate change vulnerable nations like the G-77 group, NGOs and activists are disappointed with the outcome, which was completely softened and watered down in the final hours of negotiations. The President of the COP26 climate conference, Alok Sharma, said in a voice breaking with emotion:
"May I just say to all delegates I apologise for the way this process has unfolded and I am deeply sorry."
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