Gender and Climate Justice: Intersecting Pathways for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures

Abstract (English)

Climate change and gender inequality are two of the most critical problems that humanity has to deal with in the 21st century. They are closely interconnected, and dealing with one without the other is impossible. Vulnerable and most affected groups, including women, non-binary individuals, children, and marginalised communities, often face the worst consequences of climate-related issues. They have to face resource depletion, forced migrations, and social unrest. Climate change intensifies gender inequalities by impacting the distribution and availability of resources, decision-making opportunities, and adaptation to the new circumstances of both local and global contexts. At the same time, gender-blind development models and inequitable policy frameworks increase existing inequalities, limiting the capacity of marginalised populations to adapt and thrive. However, although those vulnerabilities are present, they hold much know-how and strategies that can be applied to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the community.
This panel aims to critically discuss the intersection between gender and climate justice and focus on sustainable development policies, local knowledge systems, and resilience strategies that can be redesigned to ensure inclusive, equitable solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation. Focusing on participatory and gender-sensitive frameworks, the panel will examine case studies, comparative research, and theoretical contributions that address themes such as climate-induced displacement, land and resource rights, and the inclusion of women and marginalised communities in climate governance.
Panel discussions will include but are not limited to:
1. Gendered Dimensions of Climate Change: Examining how climate crises uniquely affect women and gender minorities in rural, urban, and coastal areas.
2. Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaptive Strategies: Exploring sustainable livelihood practices and gender-responsive climate-smart agricultural methods.
3. Policy and Governance Approaches: Assessing the effectiveness of policy frameworks and international agreements (e.g., SDGs) in promoting gender-inclusive solutions.
4. Climate-Induced Migration and Displacement: Analyzing the gendered experiences of displacement and resettlement due to environmental challenges.
5. Energy Justice and Inclusive Access: Investigating equitable access to clean energy technologies, focusing on gender-based challenges and opportunities.
6. Intersectional Frameworks for Climate Resilience: Addressing the compounded effects of multiple forms of marginalisation on climate adaptability and resilience.

The slogan from the 2007 International Conference of the Parties (COP) in Bali, “No climate justice without gender justice”, strikes us as highly reasonable. This statement has encouraged the panel to invite research papers on climate change and gender vulnerability. This panel aspires to reach a common consensus on the socio-political dimensions of climate change through the lenses of an intersectional framework in gender, sustainability, and gender justice. The findings/conclusions reached are intended to influence the rethinking and redefining of adoption strategies to be inclusive, effective, and equitable.