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This research paper examines the accounting challenges and options for international transfers of mitigation outcomes under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It focuses on ensuring environmental integrity by preventing double counting and addressing the diversity of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), specifically regarding metrics, time frames, and the nature of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).

This research paper, published by the Stockholm Environment Institute on behalf of the German Environment Agency, provides a comparative analysis of the market mechanisms established under the Kyoto Protocol and the new provisions introduced in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It examines the differences in purpose, governance, and accounting between the two frameworks to identify lessons for the operationalization of the Paris Agreement's cooperative approaches and crediting mechanisms.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the environmental integrity of international market mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It defines environmental integrity as ensuring that the transfer of emission units does not result in higher global emissions than if Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were achieved through domestic action alone. Drawing on lessons from the Kyoto Protocol's mechanisms—the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI), and international emissions trading (IET)—the brief identifies critical factors for success: the ambition of NDCs, incentives for future mitigation, the integrity of units, and robust accounting to prevent double counting.

This research paper examines the risks of double counting emission reductions under the UNFCCC, identifying the primary forms of double counting and proposing areas for international coordination to mitigate these risks across two time periods: through 2020 and post-2020.

This research paper assesses the risks and mechanisms of double counting emission reductions within the UNFCCC framework. It identifies four primary types of double counting—double issuance, double claiming, double use, and double purpose—and evaluates current rules under the Kyoto Protocol and various voluntary schemes. The authors propose a comprehensive framework for a post-2020 climate regime, recommending a 'net flows' accounting approach, specific mechanism design principles to prevent double issuance, and the use of globally unique serial numbers for unit tracking.

This working paper by the World Resources Institute outlines the critical issues surrounding the negotiation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which governs international cooperation through carbon markets. It emphasizes that the operationalization of accounting rules, additionality, and financial mechanisms will determine whether Article 6 enhances global climate ambition or weakens the environmental integrity of nationally determined contributions (NDCs).