Climate change is a worldwide concern with life threatening repercussions. State efforts to solve it are frequently corporate-backed and therefore profit-driven, made to look good by promises of good change. Hence, some ‘solutions’ may actually – intentionally or unintentionally – make the devastating impacts worse. There is growing worry that some of the projects touted as climate solutions are also exacerbating gender imbalances, especially for women, in the Asia Pacific, where the effects of climate change are already felt unfairly.
Many false climate solutions disproportionately affect women’s livelihoods. For instance, the expansion of large-scale big corporate led renewable energy projects such as hydroelectric megadams or big solar farms, can lead to the displacement of local communities, with women often bearing the brunt of the social and economic consequences. Displacement disrupts established community structures, traditional roles, and access to resources, leaving women more vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.
To address the gender disparities exacerbated by false climate solutions, a holistic approach is essential. Policymakers, international organisations and local communities must prioritise the inclusion of women in decision-making processes related to climate initiatives. This includes recognising and valuing the knowledge and expertise of women in sustainable resource management, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.
The establishment of the new Loss and Damage Fund took place in 2022 during the 27th United Nations Framework on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP27) in Egypt. This is likely one of the most important decisions to come out of the COPs since the Paris Agreement, though there are still many unanswered questions regarding its effectiveness. Parties also failed to reach a consensus on the phase-out of fossil fuels, favouring carbon markets, the idea of ‘net zero’, and false solutions that postpone meaningful action to cut emissions. In the meantime, a recent study from the first Global Stocktake’s technical debate found that the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
While addressing climate change is crucial, it is equally important to critically examine the impact of proposed solutions, especially on vulnerable populations like women in the Asia Pacific. This brief on false climate solutions gives us an insight into how we can distinguish real and false solutions as well as how these big projects are affecting communities in Asia and the Pacific.
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