Carbon Market Watch has set out its views on reform of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The proposals, sent in a response to a consultation launched last year, include provisions on how to ensure projects result in genuine net environmental benefits. The submission also includes detailed recommendations on how local civil society involvement should be regulated and how grievances should be handled when projects harm local communities or the environment.
The Barro Blanco Hydroelectric Power Plant Project was approved for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) despite the concerns of local and international NGOs.
Santa Rita CDM project registered despite violations of community consultation rights which are at the heart of the Guatemalan Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The CDM Board decided to renew calls for public and private sector buyers to voluntarily purchase and cancel CDM carbon credits.
Review of the Bonyic Hydroelectric Project’s request for registration will start. If rejected, the CDM Executive Board would be sending a strong message to the world for the need to comply with CDM rules and international law.
As we gear up for another round of climate talks, it is apparent that the time for CDM reform is now.
In the coming weeks the CDM Executive Board will decide upon the registration of the infamous Nallakonda wind farm project. The decision will show whether the CDM is ready to take the rights of local communities into account, or not.
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.
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.
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