Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) under the optional category. It focuses on the 1997 to 2014 period: from the time when the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) came into force until the time of writing. The book limit the meaning of climate change law to law that proceeds from, and seeks to implement, a specific legal imperative, to the effect that greenhouse gases from human sources must be reduced, and eventually eliminated, with the aim of controlling climate change. And the consequences that flow from the increase in average global surface temperature, which is the main impact of climate change. The book devotes considerable space to the examination of accountable reporting.