Rethinking on the Definition of Carbon Accounting

Abstract

Carbon accounting has become an international dilemma because the effects of climate change are so complicated and extensive. The definition of carbon accounting is the key problem among many unsolved problems in carbon accounting field. The paper finds that there are multiply definitions because of different understandings in carbon accounting at macro and micro levels. By analyzing the inner connection between macro and micro levels, the new definition for carbon accounting means a management activity to provide carbon emission financial information with monetary and material measurement unit and by means of accounting and verification methods. It constructs the basic framework including “carbon emission rights” accounting standard from the perspective of financial accounting and “carbon emission management accounting standard from the perspective of management accounting and conforms the basic framework of accounting standard for carbon emission.