At COP29, a clash arose as the Vatican and select conservative nations blocked discussions on providing support for women’s climate rights, citing objections to gender inclusivity. This stall threatens decades of progress, as women comprise the majority of those affected by climate crises. Advocates argue that without appropriate language and support, women’s unique challenges will be overlooked, with the urgency for a gender-sensitive action plan underscored amid declining representation in negotiations.
At the ongoing COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, a significant conflict has emerged as the Vatican, alongside Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran, has successfully halted discussions aimed at enhancing women’s rights in climate action. Colombia’s environment minister disclosed that these countries are opposing proposed support measures for women, particularly those affected by climate change, citing concerns over inclusivity that embraces transgender and gay individuals. Charities at the conference have expressed alarm, pointing out that such obstruction contradicts the global recognition of the disproportionate impact climate change has on women, who represent 80% of those displaced by its effects.
Institutional consensus has recognized for over a decade that women are particularly vulnerable to climate-related adversities, mainly due to their roles during crises, including caregiving and lack of access to reproductive health services. The new proposal brought forth by a coalition of African and EU nations aimed to highlight the varied experiences of women, stressing that those experiences are influenced by numerous factors including gender, age, and race. However, the Vatican and its allies have insisted on the removal of the term “gender,” fearing its implications could include transgender women, thus placing human rights discussions in jeopardy.
This unexpected stance from the Vatican has caught many observers off guard, as prior dialogues had not raised similar objections. Notably, Pope Francis had previously adopted a more progressive tone regarding LGBTQ+ issues within the Church, allowing for specific blessings and recognitions, but has since reiterated a traditional view on marriage and said the Church opposes gender theory and sexual transitions.
As the deadline for finalizing agreements approaches, advocates stress the urgent need for a gender-sensitive action plan to combat climate change, comprising adequate funding and support mechanisms. Without compromises in negotiations, they fear that progress made over the years may be completely undone. The backdrop of insufficient representation of women in negotiations compounds these challenges, with only 36% representation at last year’s summit. Many voices in the room continue to call for the acknowledgment of women’s unique challenges in climate change discussions, emphasizing that the empowerment of women and girls is integral to addressing the crisis effectively.
In light of these developments, the future of global commitments to women’s rights in climate action hangs in the balance as COP29 progresses with moral and ethical implications at stake.
The conflict at COP29 highlights the ongoing tussle between progressive and traditional views within climate negotiations regarding gender rights. Over the years, various international forums have acknowledged the pivotal role of women in addressing climate change, recognizing their vulnerability to its adverse effects. The Lima Work Programme on Gender was established to incorporate women’s experiences and needs in climate policy, yet recent actions by conservative nations have sparked concerns of a global backlash against gender inclusivity. As a consequence, the urgency of establishing equitable support systems in the face of climate disaster remains considerably challenged, underscoring the need for further dialogue and representation.
The resistance exhibited by the Vatican and its allies at COP29 has raised significant concerns about the future of women’s rights within the framework of climate change initiatives. This impasse threatens to undermine long-standing global commitments to support women, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts. As negotiations progress, the call for inclusive language and recognition of varied feminist experiences becomes increasingly critical, necessitating unity and resolve among global representatives to ensure that essential provisions for women are not sidelined.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
