The Elephant in the Room: Land Governance Challenges of Climate Change Mitigation
David Betge, Fredrike Klümper, Jes Weigelt
This article underscores the pivotal role of land in mitigating climate change and stresses the connection between reducing emissions and safeguarding the rights of communities. While industrialised countries acknowledge their responsibility to increase emissions reductions, the effects of mitigation and adaptation on land use affect millions of people, particularly in the Global South. Delivering on all governments' commitments to land-carbon dioxide removal (CDR) would encompass 1.2 billion hectares of land, triggering significant and large-scale transformations of land use, including afforestation initiatives, which though Policymaker abstract The achievement of global climate goals, particularly under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Rio Conventions in general, relies heavily on effective land and forest governance. This paper highlights the pivotal role of governance in safeguarding and restoring ecosystems and advocates for an institutional framework characterised by responsible governance of land ten ure. Despite tacit acknowledgement of their importance, governance challenges remain the proverbia! 'elephant in the room' in climate policy debates. Policymakers are urged to prioritise capacity building, redress power imbalances and promote transparency and participation. Central to these efforts is the strategie adoption of rights-based land governance crucial for carbon offsetting are criticized for displacing communities. The success of climate action depends on effective governance more than on any other factor. This article argues that while climate action may affect land rights, good governance can facilitate just and equitable transitions and socio-economie opportunities. Case studies from the Democratie Republic of Congo and Colombia illustrate the delicate balance that must be struck between environmental protection and governance, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies that safeguard both ecosystems and the rights of indigenous and rural communities.
Policymaker abstract: The achievement of global climate goals, particularly under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Rio Conventions in general, relies heavily on effective land and forest governance. This paper highlights the pivotal role of governance in safeguarding and restoring ecosystems and advocates for an institutional framework characterised by responsible governance of land ten ure. Despite tacit acknowledgement of their importance, governance challenges remain the proverbia! 'elephant in the room' in climate policy debates. Policymakers are urged to prioritise capacity building, redress power imbalances and promote transparency and participation. Central to these efforts is the strategie adoption of rights-based land governance frameworks and climate funds. The paper advocates for the incorporation of climate change programmes into existing structures and emphasizes the importance of principles such as Free, Prior and lnformed Consent (FPIC). Strengthening local, subnational and national institutions is crucial for fostering accountability. This article urges policymakers to openly acknowledge and tackle governance challenges, proposing accessible financing mechanisms and increased international support. In doing so, policymakers can significantly contribute to effective land-based climate action in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring an equitable and sustainable implementation of climate targets under the UNFCCC and the Rio Conventions.
Event: World Bank Land Conference 2024 - Washington
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