Two strategies were strongly represented in the recent Copenhagen conference on climate change. One of this can be described as enhanced CDM, which focuses on the continuation and expansion of support for energy efficient technology and renewable energy source and carbon credits to offset emissions in one place with capital to support reductions elsewhere.
The other is under the banner of Reduction of Emissions by the Decrease in Deforestation and Degradation or (REDD). REDD is essentially conserving the last remaining forest ecosystems.
If we continue with existing trends then we can predict the outcome as long term negative trends accumulate in a vicious cycle.
While both Enhanced CDM and REDD are needed and important initiatives they are limited if we take into consideration the total view of our current climate change status. These strategies can lower human impact on climate ( which is an admirable goal) but they cannot rebalance the carbon cycle or address the carbon cycle or address the fundamental issues of human impact on climate change. Therefore, it cannot be regarded as a total solution but a definite direction towards positive change.
When we examine the overall view on human impact on Climate, it is clear that we have actually altered serveral vital systems including the carbon cycle. In the face of the overwhelming evidence that human are effecting the climate, the real question we should be asking, is it possible to restore large-scale degraded ecosystems? And the answer to this question seems to be yes.
The initiatives at Langkawi Carbon Exchange is a small step towards restoring vital ecosystems already degraded in Langkawi. Our efforts are designed within the standards of Enhanced CDM, to support our enterprise in carbon credits to offset emissions in one place with capital and reductions in rural communities in Langkawi and Malaysia. Our greater vision is to establish a platform that will work towards realistic large-scale ecosystems rehabilitation.
