What is Additionality? Part 1: A long standing problem

Summary

This article is the first in a three-part series whose overall aim is to more precisely define the terms "additionality" and "baseline" in the context of environmental policy and propose a conceptual framework for applying these concepts within offset programs. The elaboration of precise and theoretically well-grounded definitions of these terms is a necessary precursor to their application in real world offset programs in a way that allows programs to operate with both greater credibility and effectiveness. Through a historical analysis and literature review, it is shown that the current language employed to define additionality and baseline in greenhouse gas emissions offset policy is imprecise and that major offset programs and standards are built upon circular definitions. The root of these problems is a failure to explicitly recognize and specify a policy intervention. A failure that has abandoned additionality and baseline assessments to politics and ad hoc justifications. Definitions of additionality and baseline are proposed that are intended to be broadly applicable to offset policies and programs addressing any public goods issue at any scale, from traditional project-based initiatives to new scales transcending traditional offset projects.