When creating the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Kyoto Protocol described three main aims: meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets, sustainable development, and providing emissions cuts for the lowest cost. This study argues that these three aims represent powerful discourses, justifying the European Union’s continued reliance on offset credits from the CDM. Furthermore, when advising policy-makers, NGOs may find it difficult to overtly oppose offsetting due to the power of these ideas. However, it also argues that these three discourses may provide some opportunities for NGOs to form new narratives, highlighting some of the contradictions inherent in offsetting.
Harmonisation of ISO and GHG-P standards must raise the quality bar
09/09/2025
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG-P) decision to create common emissions accounting standards has the potential to streamline and simplify procedures. However, this must be done in a way that lifts climate ambition
