Loss and damage resulting from climate change is escalating at a faster rate than previously predicted, leading to increasingly devastating consequences. Given the dire situation in communities and countries worldwide including in the Horn of Africa, where famine rises due to drought, the displacement of 100,000 individuals in Nigeria as a result of floods and the severe flooding in Pakistan that has affected 30 million people it is crucial to address loss and damage urgently.
Loss and damage is not felt equally both between and within countries. Women are differentially impacted. Thus, achieving climate justice requires a strong emphasis on gender justice. Women living in rural communities in the Global South are at risk of economic marginalisation due to the climate crisis. Despite being the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, they are facing the most severe impacts and suffering the most severe losses and damages. Nevertheless, women who are at the forefront of the climate crisis are taking the lead in addressing climate change and are crucial to the success of climate action.
This report explores the real-life experiences of women as they navigate the difficulties posed by climate-related losses and damages. It also highlights the crucial role that women are playing in developing climate resilience in the face of the climate crisis. The research adopts a climate justice and feminist framework, emphasising the importance of including perspectives from the Global South. The report argues that addressing loss and damage requires a comprehensive and transformative approach that redistributes power, protects women's rights, and empowers women to take leadership roles. The report presents its findings and provides a set of recommendations for climate policy on loss and damage, specifically for the year 2022 and beyond.
