In 2021, a carbon credit program implemented by C-Quest Capital aimed to alleviate deforestation and reduce smoke Pollution in Mozambique by distributing eco-friendly stoves.
This initiative was part of a broader effort to offset carbon emissions by providing a more efficient alternative to traditional open-fire cooking, prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa.
However, an in-depth investigation by The Washington Post revealed significant shortcomings in the program’s execution and the impact it promised to deliver.
C-Quest Capital, a Washington, D.C.-based company, marketed these stoves as a double benefit—helping the environment while improving living conditions for the impoverished.
The stoves, designed to use less wood and emit less smoke, were supposed to represent a sustainable step forward.
The company then generated carbon credits from the reduced emissions, which were sold to multinational corporations aiming to neutralize their environmental footprint.
Despite the good intentions, the reality on the ground in Mozambique was starkly different. Many recipients reported that the stoves were ineffective and poorly constructed.
Made from basic materials like clay and metal, they were susceptible to weather damage and often became unusable in the rain.
This problem was exacerbated by the decision of many users to move the stoves indoors, leading to increased smoke inhalation—a significant health risk, particularly when cooking in poorly ventilated spaces.
The Post’s investigation highlighted a crucial oversight: C-Quest did not adequately ensure the stoves’ usage and functionality, which are essential for the genuine reduction of greenhouse gases.
Moreover, the company’s claim that every participating household was actively using the stoves could not be substantiated during visits to the local communities.
Interviews with residents revealed a grim picture of abandonment and disillusionment with the carbon credit project.
This situation in Mozambique is indicative of broader issues within the carbon credit market. The rush to capitalize on this green initiative has led to a proliferation of projects that often prioritize profit over genuine environmental impact.
In the case of C-Quest, the disclosure of misconduct by its former CEO and the subsequent investigation have only added layers of complexity to the crisis of confidence in the carbon offset industry.
As carbon credit systems remain largely unregulated and transparency is minimal, the effectiveness of such environmental initiatives is increasingly questioned.
The case of the cookstoves in Mozambique serves as a cautionary tale about the need for stringent oversight and genuine community engagement in environmental projects. Without these, the goal of a sustainable, healthier planet remains a distant prospect.
OneGreenPlanet
