Toward Equitable Carbon Markets: Spatial Planning for Climate Justice in Uganda

Abstract

Introduced by the UN, the carbon trading mechanism aims to balance countries’ GHG emissions and decrease CO2. It allows developed countries to compensate for their excessive emissions by assisting developing countries in boosting their climate resilience. However, offset projects are often criticized for prompting neocolonial practices by promoting land grabbing and overlooking local needs. This research investigates how spatial planning can support more just and effective carbon offsetting with focusing on Uganda’s experience. Through policy analysis and comparative case studies, a landscape of project implementation is presented. Findings show that multilevel governance, community involvement, and land-use management are critical to deliver justice. Drawing from Uganda’s experience, the study proposes that spatial planning is crucial for aligning global carbon policies with local justice goals.