UNFCCC: A Feminist Perspective

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the only multilateral environmental agreement to emerge from the Earth Summit in 1992 which did not include any references to gender. Recognition of gender within the UNFCCC has been exceedingly slow and largely tokenistic with a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental policy and law 2024-02, Vol.53 (5-6), p.369-383
Main Authors: Maguire, Rowena, Carter, George, Mangubhai, Sangeeta, Lewis, Bridget, Harris Rimmer, Susan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Climate change
Climate finance
Embedding
Emissions
Feminism
Financing
Gender
Gender equity
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Summary:The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the only multilateral environmental agreement to emerge from the Earth Summit in 1992 which did not include any references to gender. Recognition of gender within the UNFCCC has been exceedingly slow and largely tokenistic with a focus on ensuring ‘gender balance’ within UNFCCC meetings and processes. This article explores the emergence of gender language within the UNFCCC by reflecting upon: where we have come from; where we are now; and where we are going with respect with gender. While there was very little progress in the early days of the UNFCCC, this article shows that from 2001 onwards there have been a series of small gains, which will be explained and critique. Much work remains to be done with this paper suggesting some concrete steps such as hosting a Gender COP, ensuring financing for National Climate Change Gender Focal Points and embedding gender meaningfully within existing climate finance processes. In recommending future actions, the paper draws on insights from the Pacific and Australian experience.
ISSN:0378-777X
1878-5395
DOI:10.3233/EPL-239007