GENDER INTEGRATION IN CLIMATE POLICY:
A G20 ANALYSIS REPORT

In this report, we analyze the level of gender integration - or lack thereof - in the national climate policies and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of the G20 countries to the Paris Agreement. We recognize that the G20 is not a uniform block and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities need to be acknowledged. Rather this report addresses the cross-cutting issue of gender-responsive climate policy and action across the G20. It is crucial that G20 countries develop and implement gender-responsive climate policies in order to move forward both climate action and gender equality agendas at both the national and international level.

Women and gender diverse leaders are providing critical leadership and solutions to addressing the climate crisis. Consequently, it is essential to recognize, understand and transform unjust dominant social constructs, including systemic patriarchy, colonization and racism, which continue to impede building equitable and successful climate policy and action led by women and marginalized groups.

The report calls for governments to seriously ramp up efforts to effectively and coherently integrate gender considerations into climate relevant policies, ensuring active participation of women and frontline communities. A growing body of research has firmly established that greater gender equity leads to better climate outcomes. For example, a one unit increase in a country’s score on the Women’s Political Empowerment Index demonstrates an 11.5% decrease in the country’s carbon emissions. Yet overall, the majority of G20 countries have not yet integrated gender in their climate policies, and when gender is mentioned by the G20 countries, it is often superficial and unactionable. More details are available in the press release here. 

Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of WECAN and co-author of the report states: “Integrating gender into climate policy isn’t just beneficial for women—it leads to critically improved outcomes for our communities, the Earth, and emission targets. If G20 countries want to achieve their climate targets, they need to ensure that women and the leadership of frontline communities are included in climate policies, solution projects, and decision-making.”

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The report is endorsed by over 80 organizations from 29 countries representing groups and movements worldwide, please see the full list below:​