Additionality and climate change mitigation by the UK forest sector

Abstract

Although widely considered to be a core aspect of quality assurance of climate change mitigation activities, additionality remains a source of much controversy in relation to carbon accounting and carbon markets. This article 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 commissioned 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. © 2012 Institute of Chartered Foresters. All rights reserved.