In last week’s edition of this column, I made a case for the inclusion of marginalised groups in climate action plans in Nigeria and Africa. Marginalised groups often bear the brunt of climate change while contributing the least to its causes. In that piece, I highlighted why they deserve to be included, the benefit of inclusion in environmental matters and strategies for inclusion. However, time and word count didn’t permit me to include the challenges to inclusion and the role of government and organisations in ensuring the inclusion of marginalised groups in climate action plans – that will be the starting point today.
Despite the clear benefits of including these groups in climate action which I listed last week, several significant challenges remain. On top of the list is a lack of awareness and recognition of their unique vulnerabilities and contributions. Marginalised groups often live in areas most susceptible to climate impacts, such as coastal regions, flood-prone areas, and regions with extreme weather conditions. Despite their vulnerability, their voices are frequently absent from climate policies and programs.
That is where recognition of the specific needs and strengths of marginalised groups is crucial. These groups often possess indigenous knowledge and practices that can contribute significantly to climate resilience. I wrote about the importance of indigenous knowledge a few weeks ago. For instance, indigenous communities have managed their lands sustainably for centuries, offering valuable insights into ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation. Without acknowledging these contributions, policies risk being ineffective or even counterproductive.
Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of including marginalised groups must be intensified. This involves not only educating policymakers but also the public. Media campaigns, educational programs, and community outreach can help highlight the critical role these groups play in climate resilience. Additionally, incorporating the perspectives of marginalised groups in educational curricula can foster a more inclusive understanding of climate issues from an early age.
Secondly, the inclusion of marginalised groups in climate plans is still faced by systemic inequalities. When systemic social and economic inequalities are deeply entrenched, it hinders meaningful participation of marginalised groups in climate action. These inequalities manifest in various forms, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. To address these systemic barriers, a long-term commitment to systemic change is required. Whatever the commitments are, it must include economic reforms such as the implementation of policies that promote economic equity, such as land reforms, fair wages, and access to credit for marginalised communities. It must also include social protections which will enhance social safety nets like healthcare, education, and social security, to reduce vulnerability. Last but not the least, it must include inclusive governance which should ensure that governance structures at all levels are inclusive and representative of marginalised groups.
Thirdly, limited financial and technical resources pose significant challenges to the inclusion of marginalised groups in climate action. Many marginalised communities lack the infrastructure, technology, and funding necessary to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation measures. To overcome these constraints, it is essential to ensure that climate finance reaches the most vulnerable through targeted interventions, effective governance and capacity building. Worth mentioning here is the role of international organizations. International organizations and developed countries have a responsibility to support marginalised groups in developing nations. This includes fulfilling commitments to climate finance under international agreements like the Paris Agreement and providing technological and technical support to enhance resilience and adaptation efforts.
The last but not the least challenge I’d like to mention is the cultural and language barriers. Cultural and language differences can impede communication and understanding between policymakers and marginalised communities. These barriers often result in the exclusion of marginalised groups from decision-making processes and the implementation of climate policies that do not reflect their needs or perspectives. Efforts to bridge these cultural and language gaps must involve 1) Developing policies and programs that are culturally appropriate and respectful of the traditions and values of marginalised groups; 2) Providing translation and interpretation services to ensure that all communities can participate in climate action discussions; and 3) Engaging directly with communities to understand their unique contexts and co-develop solutions.
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There is no escape for the role of governments and organizations in the inclusion of marginalised groups in climate plans. They have a critical role to play, and their effect is always the quickest in any setting. Hence, I have classified the role they must play into four main strategies: development of inclusive policies, support for community-led initiatives, promotion of awareness and education, and effective representation.
Regarding the development of inclusive policies, governments should develop and implement policies that specifically address the needs of marginalised groups. These should include an inclusive climate action plan which would ensure that national and local climate action plans incorporate the perspectives and needs of marginalised communities.
Also, a legal framework that protects the rights of marginalised groups and promotes their participation in climate action must be established. This brings us to the second strategy which is about support. Supporting community-led initiatives is essential for empowering marginalised groups. This can be done by providing financial support and resources to community-based organizations and offering training and technical assistance to build the capacity of local communities to implement and sustain climate initiatives.
The third strategy is the promotion of awareness and education. Raising awareness about the importance of including marginalised groups in climate action is crucial. It must include conducting public awareness campaigns to highlight the contributions and needs of marginalised groups and developing educational programs that focus on the intersection of climate change and social justice.
Finally, ensuring that marginalised groups are represented in decision-making bodies and processes related to climate action is vital. This can be achieved by creating inclusive governance structures that allow for the meaningful participation of marginalised groups and establishing advisory councils composed of representatives from marginalised communities to inform policy decisions.
In conclusion, the inclusion of marginalised groups in climate change action plans is essential for achieving equitable and effective climate solutions. By recognizing the unique vulnerabilities and valuable contributions of these groups, we can develop more comprehensive and resilient strategies to address climate change. Governments, organizations, and communities must work together to ensure that the voices of marginalised groups are heard, and that their needs are addressed. Only through inclusive and participatory approaches can we build a sustainable future that benefits all members of society.
Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via francisolamide1@gmail.com
