One of the most debated, whilst also most successful, instruments under the Kyoto Protocol is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the most debated and successful instruments under the Kyoto Protocol. It is fascinating to look back at how we started and consider how far we have come. Now, even more intriguing, is the question of how the CDM will look in the future.
The Marrakesh Accords and the Development of the CDM
The Marrakesh Accords, agreed upon in late 2001, provided the basic framework for the CDM. Since then, the CDM Executive Board has worked extensively to develop the mechanism’s rules, procedures, guidance documents, and methodologies. The number of projects submitted for registration has seen significant growth over the years, with 438 projects in 2006, 553 projects in 2007, and 666 projects in 2008. The CDM is expected to continue its growth in 2009.
Addressing Additionality
In the early days of the CDM, a major challenge was how to deal with additionality. Additionality refers to whether a project is ‘additional’ and would not proceed without the support of the CDM. The Additionality Tool was released by the Board to address this challenge. It requires counterfactual evidence that the project faces serious barriers without the support of the CDM. Over time, the Board has developed more guidance to enforce correct application of the Additionality Tool. However, progress in this area has been limited, with NGOs criticizing the credibility of the Tool without providing detailed alternative proposals.
Managing the Inflow of Projects
The high number of projects submitted for registration posed a challenge for the Board, leading to the expansion and professionalization of the UNFCCC Secretariat. This expansion aimed to support the increasing workload and ensure efficient processing of project submissions.
Ensuring Environmental Integrity
The Board believes that environmental integrity is vital to the CDM. Therefore, it has been rigorous in enforcing the official rules and procedures. The Board has streamlined procedures, provided additional guidance, increased the number of designated operational entities, and improved transparency for project developers. However, delays in the system are now primarily caused by poor quality submissions from project developers.
The Future of the CDM
The CDM has been a tremendous success. However, there are calls for modification of the CDM, specifically a more sectoral approach applicable in certain countries. Negotiators must consider the system’s capacity to process projects when making decisions about its future. The existing system may not be able to handle a further increase in project inflow, especially with increased reduction targets for Annex 1 Parties and the potential impact of the US entering the CDM market.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to address climate change and promote sustainable development. This aligns with SDG 13 on Climate Action. Additionally, the CDM involves projects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, which are relevant to SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy. The article also mentions the need for professionalization and efficiency in the CDM process, which relates to SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
The article highlights the need for integrating climate change measures into the CDM process, which aligns with SDG 13.2. It also mentions the inflow of projects related to renewable energy, indicating progress towards SDG 7.2. Furthermore, the discussion about professionalizing the CDM process and improving infrastructure relates to SDG 9.4.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of projects submitted for registration
- Quality of project design documents (PDDs)
- Efficiency of procedures and transparency for project developers
The article mentions the increasing number of projects submitted for registration, which can be used as an indicator of progress towards integrating climate change measures and increasing renewable energy (SDG 13.2 and SDG 7.2). The article also discusses the importance of improving the quality of project design documents (PDDs), which can be an indicator of progress towards sustainable infrastructure and industry (SDG 9.4). Additionally, the efficiency of procedures and transparency for project developers can be measured to assess progress towards SDG 9.4.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Number of projects submitted for registration – Efficiency of procedures and transparency for project developers |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Number of projects submitted for registration |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Quality of project design documents (PDDs) – Efficiency of procedures and transparency for project developers |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sdg.iisd.org
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