Women are facing intensified challenges at this year’s COP29 climate conference, as influential conservative nations push back against integrating gender equality into climate action plans.
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, a coalition of conservative autocracies, including Saudi Arabia, the Vatican, and Russia, are spearheading efforts to undermine discussions on women’s rights within the climate agenda. These nations are actively working to prevent the inclusion of gender-focused language in climate finance agreements.
Five anonymous negotiators revealed that Egypt is also part of this opposition. Their closed-door discussions indicate a strategic move to dilute the emphasis on gender equality, despite overwhelming evidence of its importance in effective climate action.
“This is a direct attack on the progress we’ve made over the past decade,” said one negotiator. “These countries are trying to erase the gender perspective that is crucial for comprehensive climate solutions.”
The EU Takes a Stand for Gender Equality
In stark contrast, the European Union has been a vocal advocate for integrating gender equality into climate policies. Representing this stance, Hungarian negotiator Veronika Bagi co-leads the EU’s delegation at COP29. She emphasized the critical need to maintain gender-focused language in climate agreements.
“Women and girls are already suffering the disproportionate impacts of climate change,” Bagi stated. “However, we are concerned about attempts to backslide from agreed language from 10 years ago.”
The EU’s commitment was so strong that they briefly walked out of talks in protest over the ongoing backlash against gender equality initiatives. This move highlights the tension between progressive and conservative forces at the summit.
The Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change on Women
Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, with women and girls bearing the brunt of its effects. The U.N. estimates that 80 percent of people displaced by global warming are women and girls. Additionally, climate-related disasters increase the risk of gender-based violence and disrupt essential services that disproportionately affect women.
- Displacement: 80% of those displaced by climate change are women and girls.
- Violence: Climate disasters heighten the risk of gender-based violence.
- Health: Extreme weather events lead to increased health issues during pregnancy.
These factors underscore the necessity of incorporating a gender perspective into climate action, ensuring that policies address the unique challenges faced by women.
Female Climate Leaders Push for Stronger Inclusion
Earlier this year, a coalition of female climate leaders formed to advocate for stronger national climate plans that prioritize gender equality. These leaders argue that effective climate action cannot be achieved without addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women.
Simon Stiell, U.N. climate chief, highlighted the importance of this inclusion. “Equal participation is a right,” he said. “Countries must advance a gender perspective in climate action and climate financing to ensure sustainable and equitable solutions.”
The push by female leaders is gaining momentum, aiming to counteract the conservative backlash and reinforce the importance of gender-inclusive climate policies.
Potential Consequences of the Backlash
If the conservative coalition succeeds in diminishing the focus on gender equality, the implications could be severe. Without a gender perspective, climate policies may fail to address the root causes of vulnerability among women, leading to ineffective and inequitable outcomes.
Possible Outcomes:
- Weaker Climate Policies: Lack of comprehensive solutions that include gender considerations.
- Increased Inequality: Women may continue to face disproportionate impacts without targeted support.
- Reduced Effectiveness: Climate actions may not achieve their full potential without inclusive strategies.
The failure to integrate gender equality could undermine the overall effectiveness of global climate initiatives, hindering progress toward sustainable and just solutions.
Calls for Gender Perspective in Climate Action
Despite the resistance, there is a strong call from various sectors to maintain and enhance the focus on gender equality in climate policies. Advocates argue that gender-inclusive approaches lead to more effective and sustainable climate actions.
“We must ensure that our climate solutions are inclusive and equitable,” said Veronika Bagi. “Ignoring the gender dimension not only perpetuates inequality but also weakens our ability to combat climate change effectively.”
Organizations and leaders continue to push for the inclusion of gender perspectives, emphasizing that climate action and gender equality are inherently linked.
The Path Forward: Navigating the Tensions
As COP29 progresses, the divide between progressive and conservative forces on gender equality becomes more pronounced. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly influence the future direction of global climate policies.
Strategies to Promote Inclusion:
- Advocacy: Continued pressure from the EU and female leaders to maintain gender-focused language.
- Collaboration: Building alliances with like-minded nations and organizations to counteract conservative opposition.
- Education: Raising awareness about the critical role of gender equality in effective climate action.
Navigating these tensions requires a balanced approach that respects diverse perspectives while steadfastly advocating for inclusive and equitable climate solutions.
