How do CDM projects contribute to sustainable development?

How do CDM projects contribute to sustainable development?

Evaluating policy options for the clean development mechanism: A stakeholder multi-criteria approach

Research Theme 2 - Decarbonising Modern Societies
Project ID - IT1.13

Principal contact: Dr Kate Brown

The following information is available on this project:

Final technical report:

For Tyndall Centre Technical Report 16 see attachment: Brown, K., Boyd, E., Corbera, E., Adger, N. (2004) How do CDM projects contribute to sustainable development?

Technical Summary

Projects implemented as part of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol will have the dual mandate of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to sustainable development. Ambitious claims have been made about the likely benefits of CDM projects in developing countries, but these claims need to be critically assessed before investment in CDM takes place.

This project will undertake a theoretical and empirical analysis of the implications of the CDM in developing countries. Specifically it will develop a methodology for assessing proposals for CDM projects using a stakeholder multi-criteria approach (MCA), as previously developed by the two lead investigators. This will provide a framework for evaluating different options under CDM. In particular we will critically assess the development dimensions of these options, something so far omitted from analyses. The framework will also be useful in evaluating options for funding under other flexible mechanisms and North-South transfers, such as the proposed 'Climate Adaptation Fund'. One reason stalling agreement at the recent COP 6 was lack of objective and scientific evidence on the likely benefits of such flexible mechanisms. The findings will provide guidance and recommendations for UK government agencies considering funding CDM initiatives through the UK aid programme and via contributions to multi-lateral agencies, and for private sector investors in CDM projects. The research will contribute to meeting the objective of 'assessing the international and North-South implications of post-Kyoto proposals for carbon offset and sequestration technologies'.