A Feminist Green New Deal

By Shannon Greene, EmpoderaClima Researcher

On March 8 the world celebrated International Women’s Day, and very soon, on April 22nd, we will celebrate Earth Day. Although the two are different special days, they are inextricably linked. There is no climate justice without gender justice, and vice versa. 

Climate breakdown is hardest on those who are already marginalized. Those who have limited access to land, resources and rights - on account of their gender, race, disability or class - will only face deepening inequalities in the midst of a climate catastrophe. EmpoderaClima has touched on these issues around the gender aspect of climate through articles and other materials.

Around the world, and particularly in the United States and United Kingdom, there has been discussion of a Green New Deal taking place. Contemplation of this new deal is taking place by different sectors and there's extensive debate on the principles to be included in it. However, its goals remain the same: to eliminate greenhouse gases in a way that is coherent with climate and social justice. 

This ‘just’ transition to a zero carbon economy challenges social and economic inequalities - the very inequalities that have accelerated the climate crisis. Therefore, there cannot be a Green New Deal that is not feminist, and does not prioritize the rights of those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change around the world. 

The US principles for a feminist Green New Deal promotes the urgent need for a just transition of all economic, environmental and political system through certain measures that provide accountability, a shift toward regenerative and sustainable resources and a divestment from the extractive and military complex, with reinvestment in social and public goods. Moreover, it supports mitigation and adaptation measures and solutions that respect the rights of Indigenous peoples, women’s rights and upholding human rights in policymaking.

 In the UK, the Women’s Environment Network (WEN) and the Women’s Budget Group, plan to release a policy paper on the Feminist Green New Deal later in 2020. This will be pivotal, with the home of COP this year anticipated to take place in the UK, a feminist rendition of a UK Green New Deal is essential. 

A Green New Deal must be part of a just transition that addresses how people are impacted differently based on social inequalities. It must represent a world of deep democracy. A Green New Deal that does not overlook the critical importance of indigenous leadership, and confronts the systems of oppression that have ultimately led to the climate crisis. Amongst the threat of the climate crisis, no one should fear for their health or safety, and we must ensure that those who are most susceptible to experiencing these grave circumstances are protected, particularly when they have contributed least to environmental destruction.  

At the UNFCCC negotiations this past December (COP25), a press conference was held, aimed at advancing a Feminist Green New Deal in the US and around the world. These activists represented a wide range of organisations, such as Sierra Club, WEDO, the NAACP, MADRE, The Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) and the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. 

 At the COP25 press conference, the importance of the collective need for solidarity in action against climate change was emphasized by the speakers. This requires a crosscutting approach to action, taking into account gender and climate justice, human rights, indigenous rights, and women’s rights in the Green New Deal. “When we try and create climate action without ensuring gender justice, we fail”, said Bridget Burns, Director of WEDO. 

We need a feminist analysis of the Green New Deal, where women have been excluded for many years. We now need their voices, as policy makers, advocates, mobilizers, workers, mothers and environmental defenders. Without an all encompassing analysis of the climate crisis, we will fail to tackle the climate crisis at its root, that is, a crisis that is embedded in capitalism, patriarchy and racism. It is only then that we can truly solve the climate crisis in all of its entirety. 

If you would like to know more on the US Feminist Green New Deal and its principles, you can join the FeministGND mailing list here. 

Cover Photo Credit: Creative Action Network