Submission of Views to the Review of the Modalities and Procedures of the Clean Development Mechanism

This submission is to the UNFCCC on Views to the Review of the Modalities and Procedures of the Clean Development Mechanism. We urge Parties to strengthen the social and environmental integrity of the CDM and to address, as a matter of priority, the following issues: Fundamentally reform additionality requirements, Shorten length of crediting periods, Ensure that all CDM Projects uphold human rights, Improve the CDM’s contribution to sustainable development, Strengthened Civil Society Participation in the CDM process, Address conflict of interest of DOEs, Establish a communications channel for case specific matters, Set-up a Grievance Mechanism, and Improve the constitution and conduct of the CDM Executive Board and supporting bodies.

Policy Brief: Hydro Power Projects in the CDM

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was designed to bring clean and sustainable development to poor countries while enabling rich countries to achieve their emissions reductions cost efficiently. Hydro power makes up 30% of all carbon offsets projects registered under the CDM. Despite delivering renewable energy, these projects have faced sharp criticism for their failure to reduce emissions and for negative social and environmental impacts.