Interests in obtaining carbon offsets in host countries for Clean Development Mechanism projects may serve as an obstacle to implementing more stringent general environmental policies in the same countries. A relatively lax environmental policy, whereby carbon emissions remain high, can be advantageous for such countries as it leaves them with a higher than otherwise

This guidebook addresses forestry projects' standing in carbon markets, anticipated trends, as well as the financing of these projects and sale of carbon credits. It provides insight into the issues that have limited the forest carbon market, and uses case studies to highlight best practices and success stories that developers can replicate in order to stimulate investment into bankable projects.

The World Bank released its annual State and Trends of the Carbon Market report at Carbon Expo in Cologne, Germany, on 26 May. The report indicates that the value of the global carbon market grew six percent, to US$144 billion, in 2009 despite being its most challenging year to date.

Local governments play an important role in promoting low-carbon development; however their role could be significantly enhanced by greater international co-operation between cities. There

A new analysis of perceptions and opinions of offset buyers towards forestry as an option for corporate offsetting. It finds that there has been less interest in forest carbon offsets from India and China despite the large potential for afforestation and reforestation activities in these countries.

This paper examines in detail the way in which additionality is determined in the Chinese wind power market and draws out broader implications for the design of effective global carbon offset policy.