The study provides a theoretical and empirical analysis of the hypothetical application of partial crediting multipliers (discounting) to carbon offset projects under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism. The study comprises nine chapters: 1) an introduction, 2) an overview of the research design, 3) the rationale for emissions trading as an environmental management policy instrument, 4) the evolution and modalities of the Kyoto Protocol and the Clean Development Mechanism, 5) the experience to date with the operation of the Clean Development Mechanism, 6) a theoretical analysis of the application of partial crediting policies employing neo-classical economic theory, 7) an empirical investigation of global carbon abatement potential and costs in developing countries, 8) a multi-criteria analysis of 19 partial crediting formulas using disaggregated data and non-linear optimisation techniques, and 9) discussion and conclusions.
Description
Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2014.