The Eliasch Review was presented to the Prime Minister as a way of using free market economics to slow climate change.
It suggested a 'forest emissions trading system', where credits are given to rainforest nations for limiting CO2 through protecting existing forests and planting more trees. These credits can then be sold to developed nations that need to offset the amount of carbon they are producing.
The report estimated that by 2030 the market will be generating enough money to ensure the world's rainforests are protected.
Activists have insisted that plans to compensate developing countries not to cut down forests will fuel corruption and human right abuses. In the long run it is feared the forest credits will provide richer nations with a means to continue emitting polluting gases by buying offsets from developing nations...
