University of Twente Student Theses
Navigating Ethical Waters – A Case Study Exploring the Ethical Landscape of Using Voluntary Carbon Credits to Fund Solarized Water Systems in Humanitarian Contexts
Brown, Shannon (2024) Navigating Ethical Waters – A Case Study Exploring the Ethical Landscape of Using Voluntary Carbon Credits to Fund Solarized Water Systems in Humanitarian Contexts.
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| Abstract: | In Lebanon, the transition to using emergency backup diesel generators to power public water systems has resulted in high costs and impacted reliability. The Red Cross has successfully piloted solar power water systems as a solution, but expanding this initiative across Lebanon faces financial constraints. Voluntary Carbon Credits (VCCs) offer a potential funding mechanism, but their ethical implications raise concerns. This thesis investigates the ethical risks of the Red Cross generating and selling VCCs to finance solar water systems. Through stakeholder interviews and a literature review, the study identifies endorsing a "flawed" emission reduction mechanism as the most significant ethical risk. Concerns about the market's effectiveness, potential for greenwashing, and lack of regulation underpin this apprehension. The study explores how the identified critical risk affects stakeholders involved. For the Red Cross, this includes possible misalignment with its mission and principles, reputation damage and perpetuating climate change through supporting a flawed system. Based upon this, a range of risk treatment strategies were proposed including buyer due diligence, quality assurance measures and transparent communication protocols. Overall, the decision to adopt VCCs hinges on the Red Cross's ability to navigate the market's complexities while upholding its humanitarian mission. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Clients: | Netherlands Red Cross, Netherlands |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 02 science and culture in general, 43 environmental science, 70 social sciences in general |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102436 |
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