Current Practices And Alternative Risk Mitigation Options In Carbon Offset Projects A Case Study Of The Alberta Emissions Offset System

Abstract

This paper identifies risks for three Alberta offset project types; wind power, aerobic composting, and conservation cropping. Stakeholder specific risks are identified and discussed before conventional or current risk mitigation practices are introduced. To the extent that the current risk mitigation practices are insufficient, an analysis of alternative and emerging risk mitigation options is performed to determine if there may be a more effective way of mitigating risk in the AEOS. The alternative risk mitigation options explored include: government intervention in the form of a monetary fund or an expansion of the current buffer account, an industry run monetary fund or buffer account, a private insurance product, and an alternative product in the form of guaranteed credits. A discussion on the findings explores the best option or combination of options that could be made available in Alberta.