Climate change is a global crisis. Raising awareness is not enough; we need to give people the information and tools to combat the effects of climate change. It is fundamental to engage in activism, campaigns and advocacy and to organize dialogues and conferences to discuss how to reduce the effects of climate change. To be effective and truly transformative, respecting and promoting gender equality, women’s rights, marginalized groups, youth leadership and indigenous community must be central to climate action.

Participation in climate and environmental decision-making is a human right, and equal participation of people of all genders generates more effective and sustainable outcomes. Women are underrepresented when it comes to decision-making in climate negotiations. At COP 28, there were only 34 percent women in all national delegations, compared to 31 percent at COP 14 in 2008. Only two percent of delegations at COP 28 had an equal number of men and women, while 79 at hundred had more men than women, representing the continuing disparity in women’s participation in climate change negotiations.

In addition, there is still a financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals estimated at $4 trillion annually for developing countries, with the Global South disproportionately affected. Loss and damage are closely related to the concept of “just transition” and equity, as the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries are often the least contributors to climate change, but are heavily affected by it. With COP 29 in mind, there is an urgent need to agree a new climate finance target of $5 trillion annually to address climate loss and damage. This climate finance should be channeled through well-planned and targeted actions with transparency and accountability. Global leaders should come forward and commit to addressing the issues needed to combat climate change and support countries that are more vulnerable and prone to the natural disasters that occur as a result of climate change.

Meanwhile, the burning of fossil fuels must be banned to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis. More than $677 billion in subsidies are poured annually into the fossil fuel and industrial agriculture sectors, fueling greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries are the main beneficiaries of these subsidies, which contribute to global warming and loss of biodiversity. The demand for energy has increased worldwide due to economic progress and development and a large part of the energy demand is met by fossil fuels. Although Bangladesh has remained resilient, natural resources are rapidly depleting and having a negative impact on the environment that is accelerating climate change, making it crucial to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and slow climate change to build a livable world for future generations.

Additionally, in Bangladesh, 40% of the population does not have access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need for action. It is essential to recognize how vulnerable populations, especially women, are disproportionately affected by water crises. With limited access to resources and decision-making power, women must face challenges that are of a different nature from those faced by men. Women are reported to starve during a disaster when there is a crisis and lack of food to feed their children and other family members. Women are exposed to new forms of risk when they have to move to flood or cyclone shelters. Displaced women and girls who move into temporary shelters or landfills are at even higher risk, with reports of marriage or child trafficking. Empowering women in climate action is crucial to creating effective and sustainable solutions. Involving women in the development of funding criteria and resource allocation helps prioritize projects that directly benefit communities and increase resilience and adaptive capacity. When women and minorities actively participate in shaping technologies and solutions, we foster the creativity and innovation that are critical to addressing climate challenges. This needs to happen at the global climate talks and at the national level.

The other aspect that needs to be incorporated is the unique perspectives and experiences of young people, which can lead to innovative approaches to addressing the different impacts of climate change on different communities. Equity and youth leadership are important for the future and the government should plan to invest in these areas. Similarly, indigenous communities deeply connected to the land suffer disproportionate impacts, underscoring the importance of indigenous knowledge and rights in conservation efforts. People with disabilities also face unique challenges in climate-related disasters, requiring inclusive emergency planning and infrastructure to address accessibility barriers and health conditions exacerbated by environmental change. Empowering marginalized groups enables their meaningful participation in decision-making processes and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Bangladesh has been resilient in the face of formidable climate challenges. There is no doubt that a spirit of collaboration unites Bangladesh to protect and strengthen communities against climate adversities. However, the inclusion and integration of different perspectives in national policies and sustainable development plans must be focused to ensure that the needs and knowledge of the underrepresented are recognized and addressed, leading to more equitable and effective climate interventions.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) embody governments’ commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. If designed effectively, NDCs, together with the voluntary National Adaptation Plan (NAP), can provide an effective framework to guide gender-sensitive national climate change action and can also include in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster response. Unfortunately, when we dove deeper, we found that most climate strategies in South Asia remain gender-blind, highlighting the harsh reality that as climate disasters wreak havoc in the region, women, girls, youth and other marginalized groups they continue to be overlooked, excluded and left behind in government responses.

We must ensure an intersectional approach to climate action that incorporates the needs and priorities of women and girls, youth, marginalized groups and indigenous communities. Existing and new policies should reflect and address climate justice issues in terms of gender-responsive and gender-responsive budgeting and allocation. Incorporating gender considerations and the perspectives of youth, indigenous and marginalized groups into new climate policies and frameworks will pave the way to promote synergies between gender equality, climate action and sustainable development, leading to more cohesive and effective policy responses.

Farah Kabir is the Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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