Clean Development Mechanism

Payal Parekh Climate & Energy Researcher & Campaigner climate-consulting.org

Why the CDM?

The Kyoto Protocol requires developed

countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. can pay a developing country to reduce emissions for them and support sustainable development. enables this to happen.

Instead of reducing emissions at home, they

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

How does the CDM work?

How are projects chosen?

Clean Projects
Project Types in Africa
11% Landfill 17% Biomass Energy Efficiency Wind 8% 15% Reforestation Hydro 9% Gas capture Natural gas 11% 11% 12% Other

6%

Source: UNEP/RISOE Database, 1. Sept. 2011

CDM & human rights

Aguan Biogas Project, Honduras:

Linked to human rights abuses, including killings of local residents.

Xiaoxi Hydropower Plant, China:

Forced eviction of poor farmers from their land, inadequate compensation

Why CDM is a false solution

Southern countries made to clean up

Northerners mess

Many projects are dirty! Adversely impact local communities human

rights abuses, displacement

Many projects would have happened anyways,

so the emission reductions are not real. Thus emissions actually increase.