ABSTRACT
Carbon offsets and the Clean Development Mechanism2 The Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol will allow developed countries to implement projects in developing countries that reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. It has the additional goal of assisting developing countries to achieve sustainable development. Developed countries may use ‘certified emission reductions’ (CER) generated by project activities in developing countries to contribute to compliance with their own emission commitments. A share of the CER will be withheld by the CDM executive to assist developing countries in meeting the costs of adaptation to climate change (see www.unfccc.de/text/issues/mechanisms).
