Clean Development Mechanism

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialised countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment to invest in ventures that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries. A crucial feature of an approved CDM carbon project is that it has established that the planned reductions would not occur without the additional incentive provided by emission reductions credits, a concept known as "additionality".

CDM, waste incineration and landfill

A GAIA report of April 2010 details polluting waste incinerator and landfills around the world that receive CDM funding. The report comments:

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) funding for incineration and landfills currently represents a lost opportunity to reduce pollution and help improve the welfare and standards of living of some of the poorest people in the world. Additionally, this funding incentivizes the destruction of valuable resources that would otherwise have been recovered with significant climate benefits.

GAIA adds:

by funding the destruction of waste resources through incineration and landfill gas projects, the CDM is obstructing proven, durable climate stabilization strategies that support the long-term well being of communities and workers.