THE EFFICACY OF CARBON TRADING VIS A VIS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN KENYA AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

This article critically analyses the prolonged environmental injustices that have been occurring in the global south. Carbon trading being used as a mitigation measure and existing in two forms voluntary and regulatory compliance markets. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of carbon trading schemes in Kenya and comparable developing countries in delivering environmental justice and community-level benefits besides emissions reductions.

A mixed-methods impact assessment of operational REDD+ and Clean Development Mechanism projects showing effectiveness in the process of trading. Analysed data, community consultation practices, governance frameworks and allocation of livelihood co-benefits. Quantitative data is statistically tested for evidence of disparate intra-project impacts on different social groups. Qualitative insights and accessing the effectiveness of safeguards in empowering marginalized communities and addressing potential trade-offs.

Cross-country comparisons will identify best practices. Policy recommendations required for balancing mitigation rigour with principles of distributive, procedural and corrective justice in carbon market design for poverty-vulnerable contexts. As the international community scales up carbon pricing under the Paris Agreement, analytics from this research can help maximize developing countrys NDC ambitions through equitable, community-centric market-based climate actions aligned with the UNFCCC’s environmental justice mandate.