(Un)Clean Development Mechanism in Poznan

CDM is growing up but going out
by Avilash Roul

Whether you like it or not, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) will be implemented as one of the tiny part solution to climate change. The mechanism, which has been brought into workable methods after a long bullying discussion since 1997, is going to be consolidated after the COP-14 talks. This is coming out from the discussion so far among the developing member countries in the Working Group Plenary as well as informal contact group meetings including all other official meetings.

A long discussion was kicked off by China’s presentation on CDM under the review of Kyoto Protocol. The government delegates have strongly recommended various ways and means to achieve the most number of CDM projects for their countries. Hopefully, they are unaware of severe oppositions to CDM projects back home. A section of civil society groups have been vehemently opposing the procedures and non-transparency of the CDM mechanisms, including the Secretariat who controls the fund- the UNFCCC Secretariat. And some sections are very critical about the success of the CDMs in overall GHG emission reduction issues.

During the COP-14, a clear mistrust among the developing countries is present in all negotiations on the amount of CDM and ‘who-will-get-what’ issues. It seems that countries are well prepared (only) on the issue of CDM. Also in a typical fashion of inter-governmental environmental negotiations, the country representatives are posting their strong argument to the chair of all official/informal negotiations.

Most propositions are against the countries which have received a large number of CDM projects, mainly India and China. The African member countries are not satisfied with the geographical distribution of the CDM projects so far. The delegates of Tanzania, Zambia and Senegal have registered their reservations about the procedures the DOE played so far and the difficulties to receive the project. The procedures are long and transaction costs are high for getting a nod for a CDM project. Colombia has suggested for a better channel for CDM projects rather the existing one. The Colombian delegate said, “The procedure to get a CDM project is very complex. A new methodology should be placed for smooth execution of CDM projects.” The African delegate has proposed for a certain percentage for all African countries for CDM projects.

The indigenous people group has offered a strong suggestion for CDM projects that said projects should be in free, prior, informed consent (FPIC) with the communities if they are going to be implemented in their area. The indigenous peoples have strongly conveyed their oppositions against any CDM project in forest areas; specifically if the project is destroying or altering the forest and their livelihood.

The World Bank representatives suggested for transparency in the process of CDM projects and recommended addressing the delay in the process. This is interesting to note that the Bank’s suggestions on CDM have various connotations. It seems that the Bank is going to lead in managing a climate fund for most vulnerable countries and it is in competition with the UNFCCC CDM secretariat. Is the Bank transparent enough on its Bio-Carbon Fund in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa?

Many CDM projects are waiting to be placed under the Kyoto Protocol in all developing countries. But whether the emission reduction will actually happen or not, only time can tell.

Next on Shared Vision...