4 September 2018
UNFCCC Updates and Relaunches E-Commerce Web Platform
Photo by Nikita Birkbeck
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The platform consists of a new climate footprint calculator to estimate household emissions, and clearer visual explanations and multimedia materials on the benefits of offsetting.

It has evolved as a result of an efficient background data processing system, and displays projects by region and by environmental, social and economic impact.

29 August 2018: The UNFCCC has relaunched its Online Platform for Voluntary Cancellation of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), where organizations, governments, businesses and citizens can purchase UN-vetted carbon offsets to compensate for their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The revamped website is more user friendly, and is accessible in English and French, with a Spanish version to follow. The main improvements consist of a new climate footprint calculator to estimate household emissions, and clearer visual explanations and multimedia materials on the benefits of offsetting. The platform has evolved as a result of an efficient background data processing system, and displays projects by region and by environmental, social and economic impact.

CDM projects bring sustainable development benefits to local communities.

Commenting on the relaunch, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board Chair Arthur Rolle said that since its initial 2015 launch, the platform has witnessed over 2,500 transactions resulting in 300,000 CERs. The carbon credits come from projects in developing countries that are registered under the CDM, where they earn a credit for each tonne of GHGs they reduce or avoid.

The CDM has 8,100 projects and programmes in 111 countries ranging from clean cookstoves and water purification to wind power and large industrial projects. These projects also bring sustainable development benefits to local communities, such as improved air and water quality, income and health, and reduced energy consumption.

Contributions made by users while offsetting emissions go directly to project owners, without any commission taken or fee added. [UNFCCC Press Release] [Online Platform for Voluntary Cancellation of CERs]

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