ALM UNDP

Summary:

"Established by the Kyoto Protocol, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has two concurrent objectives: to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development. A market-based mechanism, the CDM generates funds through investments in emissions-reduction projects in developing countries....If utilized properly, the CDM can promote sustainable development in host countries by bringing new technologies into communities, which often leads to employment opportunities and environmental benefits (e.g., improved air quality or decreased waste)....

"Though both men and women benefit from increased energy access, women’s traditional roles as energy providers, water gatherers and household caretakers mean that the benefits of improved access to energy accrue particularly to women — so long as their needs and perspectives are considered in a project’s planning and implementation."

This brief, produced by UNDP and the Global Gender and Climate Alliance (GGCA) as part of a series on "Exploring the Gender Dimensions of Climate Finance Mechanisms," explains how the CDM relates to poor women's and men's livelihoods; presents the status to date of gender and the CDM; and suggests actions for the CDM Executive Board, parties to the Kyoto Protocol, designated national authorities, civil society representatives and project developers to make the CDM more gender-responsive in the future. The brief also spotlights CDM governance, a gender-aware CDM project in India and recommendations for ensuring women's involvement in project planning.

Download the CDM Gender brief.

See more information on UNDP and GGCA's series of briefs on gender and climate change finance.

For additional resources on gender and adaptation, see the ALM resource page on Gender Indicators, Impacts and Adaptation.