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Billions Wasted in UN Carbon Program: Study

Most funded projects 'won't reduce emissions'

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted May 26, 2008 3:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – Billions of dollars spent to encourage developing nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions are being wasted on projects that don't qualify, according to two new studies of the UN's carbon credit program. The Kyoto agreement arranges for wealthy countries unable to meet emission reductions to instead subsidize green energy projects in developing countries. But the fund is routinely abused by energy companies in developing countries improperly claiming emission reduction credits.

The result is that no new significant pollution cuts are being achieved, reports the Guardian. "Rich countries are clearly overpaying by a massive amount," and it's not making a difference, said one expert. Most of the 3,000 "green energy" projects that have been approved so far for $10 billion in subsidies would have been built regardless of the funding.

Ministers attending the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development in Chiba, Japan , March 16, 2008.
Ministers attending the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development in Chiba, Japan , March 16, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Sweepers take to their jobs sweeping a street in Katmandu, Nepal, Sunday, April 30, 2006, as clouds of dust and exhaust emissions swirl around them.
Sweepers take to their jobs sweeping a street in Katmandu, Nepal, Sunday, April 30, 2006, as clouds of dust and exhaust emissions swirl around them.   (Associated Press)
A Chinese man walks across a bridge where a giant cooling tower can be seen in Beijing, Friday, Dec. 14, 2007.
A Chinese man walks across a bridge where a giant cooling tower can be seen in Beijing, Friday, Dec. 14, 2007.   (Associated Press)
German Economy and Technology Minister Michael Glos addresses delegates as he opens the 'G8-Gleneagles-Dialogue' clean energy talks in Berlin Monday, Sept. 10, 2007.
German Economy and Technology Minister Michael Glos addresses delegates as he opens the 'G8-Gleneagles-Dialogue' clean energy talks in Berlin Monday, Sept. 10, 2007.   (Associated Press)
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