CO2 compensation systems in the developing world have to be improved, in order to get net CO2 reductions as a result, not only green alibis for rich emitters.
What is the CDM? And the CDM Watch?
CDM (Clean development mechanism) projects are reducing emissions in developing countries, which don't have a reduction cap like annex 1 countries. This allows rich countries to offset some of their own emissions at a cheaper price. The goals of the CDM system are twofold: transfer clean technologies from developed to developing countries, and allow sustainable development in the South. But there are problems in this mechanism.
What are the problems?
1. Some projects are not additional, meaning that they would have happened anyway, regardless of the CER money from abroad. These projects don't yield a true CO2 reduction.
2. Some projects are not bringing sustainable development
Noe21 is trying to address these problems, with other European NGOs, through the CDMWatch.
