The Protocol s three flexibility mechanisms still need to be made fully operational. The CDM will promote sustainable development by encouraging investments in developing-country projects that use clean technologies. Developed countries will receive credit against their targets for emissions avoided by these projects. A levy on the CDM will fund projects that help countries to adapt to future climate change impacts. An international emissions trading regime will allow developed countries to buy and sell emissions credits amongst themselves.
Credibility demands that there be procedures regarding compliance with the emissions targets.
This is a difficult issue and, in the case of legally binding consequences for non-compliance, would eventually require an amendment to the Kyoto Protocol. Also essential is an agreement on how to measure and account for emissions cuts. The future of our planet hangs in the balance but every ton of carbon pollution we can prevent from entering the atmosphere will help to lighten the load. Copyright 1998-2001 James Kennedy. All Rights Reserved.