The CDM is a key component of the Kyoto Protocol.
It is a mechanism by which developed countries can offset their own emissions by investing in CO2 reduction schemes in developing countries.
In September 2012 the CDM celebrated its one billionth tonne of offset carbon – but this coincided with a fairly gloomy prognosis of its future – with the head of a high level panel saying it had “essentially collapsed“.
We have compiled our own analysis of the challenges the CDM and the Kyoto Protocol face – you can read this here.
If you’re interested in what has been accomplished, have a look at the short video below – the story of the CDM in numbers.