GlobalGiving has launched the GlobalGiving Green scoring system, a new tool to measure the positive impact on climate change, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, by development projects.

GlobalGiving Green selects projects from the main GlobalGiving website which demonstrate clear benefits in combating climate change. Signified by a GlobalGiving ‘green leaf’, they are rated according to five key benefits:

1. ‘additionality,’ or how much a project reduces carbon emissions beyond what would happen if the project didn’t exist;
2. how much a project supports the local economy while being ecologically sound;
3. its environmental benefits;
4. its social and cultural benefits; and
5. how much a project helps a community adjust to the way climate change has affected its culture.

GlobalGiving worked with EcoSecurities, a leader in emissions reduction markets, to develop the framework to score the climate change impact of development projects. Dr. Mark C. Trexler, Managing Director of Ecosecurities, told PNN Online, “Companies and individuals increasingly want to help mitigate climate change, but it’s not always easy for them to determine what they’re really accomplishing … With this tool, GlobalGiving donors can see at a glance how their donations are working to fight climate change.”

Mari Kuraishi, President of the GlobalGiving Foundation, said that, “Climate change threatens poor communities with economic devastation in the form of floods, droughts and ruined harvests. But traditionally, many of the very solutions that fight poverty have also contributed to climate change. GlobalGiving Green is a brand new way to help solve that dilemma. Using a unique scientific evaluation system, we've carefully pre-screened initiatives that offer win-win solutions — helping people while protecting the planet.”