June 2002 IISD announces the launch of a new CCKN publication entitled Establishing National Authorities for the CDM. As one of the key requirements for developing country participation in the Clean Development Mechanism, National Authorities offices are an important first step toward involvement in this flexibility mechanism. The book identifies the specific steps needed to establish national programs and, by presenting various Latin American experiences, encourages other countries to adapt the lessons learned to their local needs. The book incorporates the evolving decisions on the CDM from the international negotiation process and specific requests from developing countries. Updated to COP-7 and peer reviewed by some of the leading professionals in the field of international climate politics, the guide is a useful tool in Africa, Asia as well as Latin America. Jointly published by IISD and CSDA, two members of the CCKN, Establishing National Authorities for the CDM is currently available in English (713 kb).

Three international "flexibility" mechanisms were included in the Kyoto Protocol to facilitate the cost-effective fulfilment of national emissions reduction commitments for industrialized countries. The mechanisms provide incentives for these countries to meet their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Briefly, the three Kyoto Mechanisms are:

International Emissions Trading

Through International Emissions Trading (IET) industrialized countries are allowed to meet their commitments by buying and selling excess emissions credits among themselves. By creating a financial value for emissions credits, it is anticipated that market forces will provide a cash incentive for governments and industry to switch to cleaner fuels and industrial processes, achieving emissions targets and moving towards sustainable development. (Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol)
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Joint Implementation

Joint Implementation (JI) permits industrialized countries to cooperatively implement projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The investor from one country would receive emissions credits equal to the amount of emissions that were reduced or avoided as a result of the project. The recipient country would receive new technology and know-how. (Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol)
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Clean Development Mechanism

The dual goals of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) are to promote sustainable development in developing countries, and to allow industrialized countries to earn emissions credits from their investments in emission-reducing projects in developing countries. To earn credits under the CDM, the project proponent must prove and have verified that the greenhouse gas emissions reductions are real, measurable and additional to what would have occurred in the absence of the project. (Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol)
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Within the Kyoto Protocol, credit for projects implemented under the Clean Development Mechanism may be earned beginning in the year 2000, although in practise, the rules are still not clear. The Climate Change Knowledge Network has responded to this early start date by focussing its collaborative research on issues surrounding the CDM. Specific network projects include:

Benefit Sharing in the CDM

This project seeks to provide a better understanding of the potential benefits for both investing countries and host countries under the Clean Development Mechanism, and to develop possible approaches to sharing these benefits.

Members involved: IDEE/FB, CICERO

CDM Design Project

Negotiators and policy-makers are struggling with the basic design and features of the Clean Development Mechanism. This project examines the characteristics of the various design options and explores how an "open architecture" CDM might operate.

Members involved: WRI, CSDA

Economies in Transition as CDM Investors

This project aims to assess the feasibility of participating in the Clean Development Mechanism for economies in transition that are included in Annex B. This will be done by building on their capabilities for co-generation, combined heat and power generation, and small hydro-power projects, and through the links these countries have with economies in transition that are not included in Annex B.

Members involved: UKMA, IDRC