Definition / Purpose
The Clean Development Mechanism CDM
(Art. 12, Kyoto-Protocol)
enables industrialized countries (Annex-I-countries
) in terms of projects for the reduction of greenhouse gases (so- called climate protection projects) to generate additional emissions rights (Certified Emission Reductions; CERs
) for the fulfilment of the obligations of the Kyoto Protocol.
The CERs which have been gained through CDM projects could be added to the total amount of greenhouse gas
emissions of developed countries (Assigned Amounts
). Thus the total quantity of available emissions rights increases. The Kyoto Protocol and the Marrakech Agreement point out the possibility for public and private bodies - such as enterprises - from industrialised countries to take part at CDM projects.
Special Issues:
Among Kyoto Mechanisms
the CDM has a special position as developing countries (Non-Annex I Countries
) are involved. The purpose of this Mechanism is not only to produce Certified Emissions Reductions (as it is the purpose of JI
), but they should also contribute to sustainable development and the transfer of technology in developing countries.
The reduced emissions by a CDM project have to be additional to any that would occur in the absence of the proposed project activity. In order to calculate the emissions reductions a so-called baseline must be set up. The calculations must be handed in together with a description of the project including contracts, technical data and a monitoring plan. The project is assessed by certifiers, which attest the eligibility of the project for authorization and asses the anticipated amount of greenhouse gas reduction. After a successful implementation the project participants receive CERs from the CDM Executive Board and can thus be traded. For the financing of CDM projects 2% of the certified CERs are kept aside. Furthermore there is a fee for the administration.
Legal basis
Decision -/CP.719 FCCC/CP/2001/5/Add.1
Kyoto Protocol: § 12
Bonn Agreement (July 2001): FCCC/CP/2001/5, IV 3
The Marrakesh Accords, November 2001 , I/ J 3
Decisions by the CDM Executive Board
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