In a decision criticized as “unfortunate” and even “insane”
by onlookers, the United Nations has decided that new coal plants are eligible
for carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
The CDM is a trading platform set up by the UN that allows
developed countries to obtain verified emissions reduction credits through
renewable energy, energy efficiency, power plant fuel switching, and
sustainable transportation projects in developing countries in order to meet
Kyoto Protocol targets.