Made to Measure: Options for Emissions Accounting under the UNFCCC

Abstract

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

Enhancing transparency of climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement

“…There is therefore a risk that the target might be missed, even if mitigation actions have been successfully implemented. Second, if internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) (including those transferred under the forthcoming Article 6 mechanism) are counted towards achievement of the target, it is unclear how ITMOs generated in years other than the target year should be treated (Hood, Briner and Rocha, 2014;Prag, Hood and Martins Barata, 2013;Prag et al, 2011).…”

Identifying and addressing gaps in the UNFCCC reporting framework

“…In the absence of common accounting rules, certain basic principles may be needed, and specific provisions developed in certain areas (see Briner and Konrad, 2014). Similarly for the use of transferable emissions units; a common framework is likely needed to ensure environmental integrity, such as to avoid double counting (Prag, Hood and Barata, 2013).…”

Overview of INDCs Submitted by 31 August 2015

“…This has implications for strategic reviews of collective effort, giving less visibility looking forward regarding anticipated total emissions. Singleyear targets also have implications for whether and how internationally-transferred units can be accounted for in achievement of the INDC (Prag, Hood and Barata, 2013;Hood, Briner and Rocha, 2014).…”

“…Lack of clarity on accounting for units will impact on the understanding of INDCs, particularly their aggregate effect. Development of implementation rules for land sector and markets accounting after COP21 can resolve these uncertainties (Prag, Hood, and Barata, 2013): in fact some Parties (Australia, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Russia) noted that their final INDCs will be contingent on the nature of these rules. This could mirror the lengthy process following agreement of the Kyoto Protocol, where rules under the Marrakesh Accords were agreed in 2001 well after Parties' targets were established in 1997.…”