The Climate of Inequality: Marginalised Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Security

On 31 October 2000, the UN Security Council formalised the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the adoption of Resolution 1325​. This landmark decision expanded traditional notions of security to encompass human security frameworks, including gender, and called on member states to increase representation of women at all levels of decision-making. Now, twenty-five years on, this conversation remains as relevant and as urgent as ever in the light of the escalating climate crisis. According to reports by the United Nations, the last four years have been the hottest on record​, and the 2023-2024 period marked the first 12-month span to exceed 1.5 °C on average​ above the pre-industrial levels.

As numerous academics​ and international institutions​ have shown, climate change is inherently discriminatory, as it disproportionately affects those already facing social inequalities. This discrimination manifests in three main ways. Firstly, climate change exposes existing inequalities and increases exposure to climate-related disasters, making it a ‘threat multiplier​.’ Secondly, it increases the vulnerability of marginalised groups​ to these disasters. Finally, it compounds challenges​ they face recovering from and coping with the resulting adversity. The 2024 Gender Snapshot​report projects that by 2050, climate change could force up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty, while also increasing conflict-related violence, domestic abuse, human trafficking, child marriage, and deteriorating maternal and neo-natal healthcare. Studies on the intersection between temperature spikes and gender further estimate that by the end of the century, around ten per cent of intimate partner violence cases will be linked to climate change​.

This Adelaide Climate Talk, co-hosted by the German Embassy in Australia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), explores the intersections of climate security and social inequality, advocating for inclusive dialogue that amplifies marginalised voices on the issues most affecting them. Featuring government, academic, civil society and private sector voices, this panel will address how inclusivity can bolster climate goals and prevent the further widening of social disparities.