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The Division of Housing and Urban Development organized three webinars to understand better the opportunities and challenges associated with subnational climate action.
The second meeting of the series, held on March 27th, focused on the crucial theme of climate equity in cities, addressing governance, gender, and urban resilience. This gathering brought together experts and leaders to explore how climate change disproportionately affects different genders, especially women and girls, and how integrating gender perspectives can strengthen responses to climate change in urban contexts. The main objective was to address inequalities in the distribution of climate change effects and promote more equitable and just climate action, ensuring that mitigation and adaptation measures are inclusive and fair. We share its recording:
Key messages:
• Climate inequity doesn’t affect everyone the same way; it disproportionately impacts men and women, amplifying existing disparities. A gender lens in climate action acknowledges these differences and strives to minimize vulnerabilities while promoting fair opportunities. Understanding how climate change affects individuals based on geographic location and socioeconomic conditions is critical, underscoring the importance of incorporating this perspective into policymaking and planning.
• Successfully integrating gender perspectives into climate projects requires meticulous data disaggregation, active involvement of women in planning processes, and careful consideration of gender-specific impacts in every intervention. Real-world experiences like the City Adapt program in cities in México, El Salvador, and Jamaica showcase how initiatives like crop diversification and water harvesting can offer unique benefits to women and help mitigate climate risks.
• In urban environments and indigenous communities, significant challenges persist in mainstreaming gender into climate action, including the lack of disaggregated data, the need to merge indigenous worldviews and traditional knowledge into urban planning, and the challenge of empowering indigenous women economically through education and active involvement in climate initiatives. Upholding interculturality and fostering participatory spaces are fundamental to designing inclusive and equitable solutions.
Case Studies
The session delved into the global landscape of climate inequity, highlighting gender disparities in climate change impacts and stressing the importance of addressing these differences to foster equity. Practical experiences of integrating gender perspectives into climate action projects in urban settings were explored, emphasizing the necessity for adaptive climate planning and the active participation of women in decision-making processes.
Concrete case studies demonstrated how gender perspectives are woven into different contexts of climate projects. From initiatives fostering inclusive urban mobility in Brazil to innovative programs tackling the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable women in India, these examples underscored the significance of considering gender-specific needs and experiences in planning and executing climate initiatives.
Driving Sustainable Urban Mobility in Brazil
Brazil is making strides in addressing the gender perspective in climate action and mitigation within urban environments. Through participatory walks led by Instituto Caminhabilidade, safe and vulnerable areas are identified, and discussions on gender-based violence in public spaces are initiated. Through this work, they can influence the implementation of solutions such as permeable soil for water absorption, appropriate lighting and furnishings in public spaces, and fare integration in public transport. These measures mitigate carbon emissions and cater to women’s safety and accessibility needs, promoting equity, sustainability, and urban resilience.
Protection against Extreme Heat with Gender Approach in India
In India, efforts have been made to address extreme heat in public spaces with a gender perspective. The project led by the Atlantic Council aims to increase the resilience of women and vulnerable populations through innovative financial solutions. With an integrated approach that includes risk transfer and reduction and early heat warnings, the project implements parametric insurance to recover lost wages due to extreme heat. In Ahmadabad, India, a successful pilot program was conducted to promote financial inclusion and open new bank accounts for over 6,500 community members. This approach improved productivity, reduced medical expenses, and improved long-term sustainability by integrating with national social protection programs.
Conclusions
There are significant challenges in scale, data availability, and cultural aspects when addressing climate equity in cities. To tackle these challenges, it is imperative to promote dialogue and effective collaboration among stakeholders to develop inclusive and equitable climate solutions that benefit all involved parties.
Ultimately, climate equity in cities is crucial for addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on different population groups and building more resilient and sustainable societies as a whole. This global challenge requires coordinated actions and inclusive policies to ensure a more just and equitable future for all.
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