To integrate a gender perspective into carbon market development, the Sino-German Cooperation on ETS, Carbon Market Mechanisms, and Non-CO₂ Greenhouse Gas Mitigation project (ETS project), together with the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning (CAEP), conducted a study on mainstreaming gender in carbon market mechanisms.
Scope of the study
The study started in May 2025. Building on international experience in developing gender-responsive carbon markets, the study examines the role and impact of women in China’s carbon market across four dimensions:
- policy frameworks and gender mainstreaming practices;
- women’s participation in carbon market (actors and channels);
- gender composition of practitioners and leadership; and
- the challenges and structural barriers faced by women.
The research draws on international gender-related norms, gender-responsive approaches adopted by international organisations, and global best practices. It is further informed by interviews with the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange, the Beijing Green Exchange, and the China Quality Certification Centre, as well as surveys, desk research, stakeholder consultations and questionnaire-based case studies involving different groups involved in the carbon market development.
Key findings and recommendations
Based on the findings, the study puts forward a set of policy recommendations to support gender-responsive carbon market development. These include integrating a gender perspective through institutional design and enhanced data transparency; strengthening capacity building, career development, and leadership pathways for women practitioners; incentivising private sector engagement and innovation to unlock women’s potential; and enhancing international cooperation and knowledge exchange to elevate China’s experience and influence in promoting gender equality in carbon market development.
Expert exchange on gender and carbon markets
On 5 January 2026, experts from the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Women’s Studies Institute of China came together to discuss ways to better promote gender equality in carbon market development, and how to mainstream gender more broadly across sustainable development efforts. On this occasion, the study was presented and received positive feedback from the attending experts.
Outlook
The study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, contributing to advancing gender equality in China’s carbon market development, and helping to fill an important gap in domestic research at the intersection of gender and carbon markets. The ETS project will also integrate the gender-responsive carbon market concept in the project implementation.
Key findings and recommendations
Based on the findings, the study puts forward a set of policy recommendations to support gender-responsive carbon market development. These include integrating a gender perspective through institutional design and enhanced data transparency; strengthening capacity building, career development, and leadership pathways for women practitioners; incentivising private sector engagement and innovation to unlock women’s potential; and enhancing international cooperation and knowledge exchange to elevate China’s experience and influence in promoting gender equality in carbon market development.
Expert exchange on gender and carbon markets
On 5 January 2026, experts from the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Women’s Studies Institute of China came together to discuss ways to better promote gender equality in carbon market development, and how to mainstream gender more broadly across sustainable development efforts. On this occasion, the study was presented and received positive feedback from the attending experts.
Outlook
The study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, contributing to advancing gender equality in China’s carbon market development, and helping to fill an important gap in domestic research at the intersection of gender and carbon markets. The ETS project will also integrate the gender-responsive carbon market concept in the project implementation.
