31 October 2014: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published a technical paper on the implications for the Kyoto Protocol processes and systems, of the modalities for expediting the continued issuance, transfer and acquisition of joint implementation (JI) emission reduction units (ERUs) (FCCC/TP/2014/4).

The paper analyzes how the Kyoto Protocol processes and systems, including reporting and review requirements and the functions of the international transaction log, would be impacted by the proposed draft modalities for expediting the continued issuance, transfer and acquisition of JI ERUs (as currently presented in the annex to document FCCC/SBI/2014/L.9). The draft modalities were proposed because the CMP recognized that due to the time required for calculating, reporting, reviewing and recording the assigned amount units (AAUs) of parties for the second commitment period, there could be a delay in issuing ERUs, which would create uncertainty and cash flow constraints for new JI projects and a disincentive for continuing the existing ones. This technical paper presents a technical analysis of the implications of these draft modalities.

In addition, the paper contains information on budgetary implications, the status of ratification or provisional application of the Doha Amendment, and the status of JI projects.

The paper is made available to parties to take into consideration during their deliberations at the 41st session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 41) taking place in Lima, Peru, in December 2014. [Publication: Implications of JI Modalities on the Kyoto Protocol Processes and Systems]