The voluntary carbon market (VCM) has gained popularity as a mechanism to mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate targets. While the importance
of embedding Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) gender equality considerations
into climate change action is increasingly recognized, there is a gap in understanding
how the VCM may impact SDG5 because previous research has explored
the integration of gender equality and the VCM in specific cases or focused on individual
standards. This study analyzed 675 VCM offset projects on a Gender
Inclusion Scale and found that recent vintage, Gold-Standard-certified, household
devices, removal, and African/South American projects have higher levels of gender
inclusion. To improve the baseline level of gender inclusion, mandatory disclosure
of SDG5 impacts and collaboration with women-focused NGOs or local
governments is recommended. This research highlights the importance of considering
gender equality in VCM projects to provide additional benefits toward sustainability
goals.
Authors: Holly Nicholson and Laurel Besco
Source: Social Politics https://doi.org/10.1093/sp/jxaf014
