Additionality of Climate Change Mitigation Activities

Abstract

Although widely considered to be a core aspect of quality assurance of climate change mitigation activities, additionality remains a source of much contro- versy in relation to carbon accounting and carbon markets. This chapter illuminates the multi-faceted nature of the concept and develops a taxonomy of different forms. It provides an overview of how additionality is currently applied in relation to both compliance and voluntary carbon markets, including tests used and underlying evidence base requirements. This draws upon and updates an earlier review com- missioned to help inform development of a Woodland Carbon Code designed to underpin climate change mitigation activities in the UK by the forest sector. Sources of uncertainty and trade-offs in practical application of the concept are highlighted, and potential perverse incentives explored.