Climate and environmental activists from Japan have raised their voices against the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for financing the controversial Mozambique Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project. The project, which received a loan of USD 3 billion from JBIC in July, has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and the local communities.
The Mozambique LNG project, operated by French energy giant Total, aims to extract natural gas from offshore fields and transport it to a processing plant on the coast. While the project promises to bring economic benefits to the country, it has also been associated with the displacement of thousands of people and has raised concerns about its potential impact on the environment.
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation, a government-owned financial institution, has been accused of disregarding the environmental and social consequences of the project in its decision to provide such a large loan. Climate and environmental activists have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the bank’s actions, stating that it goes against Japan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The project has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and consultation with the local communities. The affected communities have not been adequately informed or consulted about the project, and their concerns have been ignored. This has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people from their homes and livelihoods, without proper compensation or alternative arrangements.
The Mozambique LNG project has also been found to be in violation of the human rights of the local communities. The forced displacement of people from their homes and the destruction of their natural resources is a clear violation of their rights. The project has also been accused of causing air, water, and land pollution, which will have a long-lasting impact on the environment and the health of the local communities.
In light of these concerns, climate and environmental activists from Japan have called on the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to reconsider its decision to finance the Mozambique LNG project. They have urged the bank to prioritize the protection of the environment and the rights of the local communities over financial gains.
The activists have also highlighted the potential of renewable energy sources as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Japan, as a leading global economy, has the opportunity and responsibility to invest in clean and renewable energy sources, rather than supporting projects that harm the environment and local communities.
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation must take into account the concerns of the local communities and the potential environmental impact of the projects it finances. It must also align its actions with Japan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
In response to the criticism, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation has stated that it will conduct an environmental and social impact assessment of the Mozambique LNG project and work with Total to address any concerns. However, climate and environmental activists have called for a complete halt to the project and for the bank to invest in more sustainable and environmentally friendly projects.
In conclusion, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation’s decision to finance the Mozambique LNG project has been met with strong criticism from climate and environmental activists in Japan. The project’s negative impact on the environment and the local communities cannot be ignored, and the bank must take responsibility for its actions. It is time for Japan to prioritize sustainable development and invest in clean and renewable energy sources for the benefit of the planet and its people.
