The W+ Standard Solution – powered by S&P Global Commodity Insights Environmental Registry
The climate crisis impacts us all, but it does not impact all equally. Women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable to extreme weather events, food insecurity, infectious disease, and reproductive health risks, and yet are key providers of climate solutions. There is a program, unique in its type, that has been improving the lives of women through a market-based mechanism that recognizes and rewards women’s contributions to their local economies, environments, and communities. Developed by gender and M&E (monitoring and evaluation) experts, and used extensively for climate-related initiatives, the W+ Standard, created by WOCAN (Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management) and hosted by the S&P Global Commodity Insights Environmental Registry, is a powerful indicator of women’s empowerment as a co-benefit of carbon credits, legitimizing the “S” in ESG. Instead of viewing gender equality as an add-on or secondary concern, it is thus embedded into the very fabric of sustainability efforts, positively impacting the lives of millions of women and girls while addressing the climate crisis.
By harnessing the power of the S&P Global Commodity Insights Environmental Registry, the W+ Standard is revolutionizing the way we approach environmental conservation. Instead of viewing gender equality as an add-on or secondary concern, they embed it into the very fabric of sustainability efforts.
Authors:
- Julie Gareton, Global Head of Operations, Environmental Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights
- Dr. Jeannette Gurung (WOCAN)
- Denise Chak (WOCAN)
- Rachel Vestergaard (Empower Co.)
- Dr. Jess Kwong (Empower Co.)
