Clean development mechanism: A key to sustainable development

Abstract

The emission of high amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere is the major cause for climate change. The average temperature of the Earth is increasing year by year. Kyoto Protocol was introduced to set strict rules to control the high level of GHG emissions and promote sustainable development. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is an effective mechanism to reduce emissions by promoting sustainable energy projects. It allows emissions trading among different countries and helps in achieving goals of emissions reduction. This chapter presents an overview of CDM, its methodology and impediments associated with it.