An authenticated and secure accounting system for international emissions trading

Expanding the international emissions trading system is crucial to filling the existing mitigation gap for the 2°C climate target. Trustworthy emissions accounting is the cornerstone of such a system encompassing different jurisdictions. However, traditional emissions measuring, reporting, and verification, as well as data disclosure practices that support data authenticity in a regional emissions trading system, might not be compatible with data transparency requirements in a future international system that covers countries with gaps in governance and social trust. This transparency requirement can cause severe data security concerns. In this study, we propose a cryptographic framework for an authenticated and secure emissions accounting system that can resolve this dilemma. We demonstrate that integrating a sequence of cryptographic protocols can preserve data authenticity and security for a stylized multi-country emissions trading system. We call for more research to promote joint work by policy researchers and computer scientists to strengthen collaboration in future international climate governance.Key policy insightsData authenticity and security concerns are key issues that have hindered international cooperation in mitigating climate change.Modern cryptography can help preserve both data authenticity and security in a multi-country emissions trading setting.More research is needed to promote joint work by policy researchers and computer scientists on international climate governance.