Multilateralism, in brief, refers to multiple countries working together to achieve a common goal through diverse membership in international institutions. As Charvet and Mota argue, multilateralism and international cooperation exist, as no nation can be shielded from global threats, regardless of the framing of altruism or geopolitical interests. They require reconciling short-term national interests with long-term global prosperity for mankind. Such reconciliation, however, is at odds with the sweeping “America First” agenda, as multilateralism takes time, compromises self-interests, and requires subsidies from wealthier and more powerful states. Donald Trump and his administration do not want that.

Key Points

1. Despite claims of a "triple win" for environmental conservation, economic growth, and equity, carbon markets and offsetting mechanisms often perpetuate structural exploitation and neocolonialism at the global, local, and procedural levels.
2. Globally, countries in the Global North benefit disproportionately from carbon markets, outsourcing environmental responsibilities to countries in the Global South, which have unevenly distributed market power and an unjust territorialization of southern lands.
3. Locally, carbon offsetting projects often result in the exploitation of Indigenous and local communities in terms of land and carbon sovereignty, as well as fundamental human rights and a share of project benefits.
4. Procedurally, the neglect of local knowledge and place-based environmental stewardship excludes Indigenous communities from project initiation, negotiation, and decision-making processes.
5. To circumvent these pitfalls, this brief provides recommendations to mobilize all stakeholders engaged in carbon markets and offsetting mechanisms, and together adopt rigorous, just, and equitable strategies to ensure the rights of the South and Indigenous peoples.