31 years ago, the first commitment towards tackling climate change was made through an international treaty, known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to limit global temperature increases and begin the journey towards People and Planet.
Since this pivotal moment– more than 200 countries across the world once again reaffirmed their commitment through the Paris Agreement to limit the global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius as a radical approach towards climate action.
Today, as governments, researchers, scientists, private sector and civil society organisations gather in Dubai for COP 28 with the declaration of ‘climate change cannot wait’- a lot is at stake to fast-track the urgency of concrete actions needed now!
Against the backdrop of this convening is the supersonic speed and litany of events happening around the world geopolitically. The wars and conflicts in Ukraine, Darfur, Israel and Gaza continue to displace millions from their homes, carbon emissions are rising, floods, drought and earthquakes have ravaged countries rendering many stateless- thus making 2023 a historic melting point of social inequalities exacerbated by the climate crisis.
Nothing About us Without us
At the heart of this, the shattered dreams and hopes of many women and girls around the world are an avid reminder that the promises to mitigate climate change can no longer be empty. It’s been widely proven that women and girls – the backbone of prosperous societies– are more vulnerable and are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change.
We’ve witnessed how gender inequality has become synonymous with climate change creating a chain reaction of gender-based violence, healthcare crises, increased risk of child marriage, food insecurity, denial of economic advancement opportunities and femicide.
While there’s a silver lining of Feminist Movements, Organisations, women human rights defenders and activists around the world who have been bold enough not to shy away from disrupting the current climate change talks ecosystem– the realities are grave. Countries like the UK are backing away from their climate change finance (at £ 11.6 Billion) commitments and fossil fuel companies remain solid with their green washing narratives. This drawback of support and many others paints a bleak picture for COP 28 but far much worse for millions of women and girls now under siege due to climate change.
Women and girls working together in movements remain active agents of change, contributing significantly to climate resilience and adaptation efforts. They have shown remarkable innovation, and leadership in implementing sustainable practices, preserving traditional knowledge, and advocating for climate justice.
Act Now- COP 28 must not abet gender inequality!
But what will it take to see real action at COP28 given what is at stake for all especially for women and girls?
First, climate change conversations must be inclusive of gender equality. We celebrate civil society organisations and Feminist Movements and Organisations that continue to advocate for the meaningful participation of women and girls’ indigenous groups from Brazil to Kenya and ensure their voices are not stifled in the negotiations. Solutions must be locally led and owned, strengthening the agency of these groups in influencing decisions that affect their lives.
Secondly, a strong feminist agenda should be included in the climate action pledges. This is crucial in addressing injustices and social barriers that have prevented communities from taking their rightful seat at climate change convenings such as COP and pushing the biggest emitters of carbon emissions to offer reparations to millions in developing countries that have been affected by the crisis. But also- a feminist perspective confronts capitalism, neoliberalism and fascist principles that continue to back the use of fossil fuels and prioritise profit over people and a sustainable planet.
Thirdly, new technological advances such as AI are critical in mitigating climate change. We’ve seen how various models are being used to predict weather patterns and also reduce carbon emissions. One iconic example is Google’s optimisation of AI to minimise the environmental impact of flights- showing the unlimited possibilities of technology. AI can equally be a game changer in powering girls and women to advance scalable climate change solutions around the world. The integration of technology and gender equality can drive economic opportunities, showcase immersive experiences while also positioning women as change agents to radically reduce the rising carbon emissions. At COP28 we hope to witness the incorporation of a gender-responsive approach into AI development, ensuring that it benefits women and girls and promotes their active participation in climate change solutions.
Lastly, climate financing approaches should be gender smart and feminist grounded. Research from the International Insitute for Environment and Development indicates that only 2.3 per cent of climate financing is deliberate in supporting gender equality. Investments from governments, philanthropy and the private sector through grants- not loans – should holistically mainstream gender frameworks that interrogate experiences of women and girls affected by climate change while also enabling flexible funding to allow women’s rights organisations to have a say in how to use the funding in climate action initiatives.
A free, fair and sustainable world that is inclusive of the voices of women and girls is possible. COP 28 must not forget this!
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