Cambio climático y mercados de carbono en el Ecuador: balance y perspectivas

Abstract

Climate change is currently one of the biggest problems facing humanity, due to uncontrolled emissions from Greenhouse Gases (GHG). The aim of this research was to analyze carbon change and carbon markets in Ecuador, through a balance and current perspectives, and in this way, to generate strategies and possible future commitments among the main carbon emitters. The analysis was carried out through a bibliographic review in different specialized documents, which allowed to compare, examine, and identify the information collected. It was established that carbon markets are one of the mechanisms proposed by Kyoto Protocol (KP) to combat and curb the consequences of climate change. At the Ecuadorian level, it was possible to know the balance and perspectives against this market through the Indicative Portfolio which contains 31 projects financed Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) that have been generated in the country, differentiating between four areas. Strategies aimed at promoting sustainable development and achieving greater participation of Ecuador in this market at the international level were proposed. In the same way, commitments were drawn up that are possible between Ecuador and main carbon emitting countries such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It is concluded that the carbon market is a viable alternative to mitigate climate change, as it establishes commitments between developed countries in terms of emission reduction and that developing countries can contribute with sustainable development projects, so that Ecuador can obtain not only environmental but also economic benefits by participating in this market.