The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows public or private entities to invest in greenhouse gas mitigating activities in developing countries and earn abatement credits for use against their own greenhouse gas emissions or for sale on the open market. One of the three mechanisms set out in the Kyoto Protocol, the CDM has the dual objectives of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to sustainable development in the host country.
The success of the CDM will depend on the extent of participation by the international community. Several factors may influence the number of projects actually implemented, including the complexity and interpretation of the rules, the efficiency of the project approvals process and transaction costs.
e8 CDM Activities and Resources
CDM Guides and related documents
The e8, comprising ten leading electricity companies from the G8 countries, was formed in 1992 following the Rio Summit to examine and co-operate on major global electricity-related issues, with an emphasis on the global environment and sustainable energy development.