As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, countries are increasingly looking at innovative ways to address the problem. In Cambodia, the government has taken a bold step towards integrating climate action with gender equality, recognizing the critical role that inclusivity plays in ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all, especially women.
| Key Sectors | Industry | Energy | Agriculture | Forestry | Chemicals and Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 key sectors | Guides formulation of NDC 3.0 | Energy transition | Agriculture, forestry, and rural development | Forestry, agriculture, and rural development | Chemicals and waste management |
The Cambodian government, in collaboration with international partners, has highlighted the importance of integrating gender considerations into its climate action plans. A recent dialogue held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phnom Penh brought together key government officials, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other stakeholders to discuss the role of gender equality in addressing the climate crisis.
The dialogue aimed to integrate gender considerations into Cambodia’s climate action plans as the country prepares its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. The event provided a platform for discussions on how gender equality could be seamlessly integrated into the formulation of NDC 3.0, a crucial policy document that will be submitted to the UN Secretariat later this year.
- Women are disproportionately affected by climate change, bearing the brunt of its impacts, such as increased heat, which affects their health and productivity, and rising temperatures that can lead to physical and sexual violence.
- Women play a critical role in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, and their participation is essential for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future.
- Women are not just victims of climate change, but also powerful agents of change, and their expertise in STEM fields is vital for designing and implementing green technologies.
The Cambodian government, led by Minister of Environment Eang Sophallet, emphasized the importance of integrating gender considerations into the formulation of NDC 3.0. He noted that the new plan will continue Cambodia’s ambitious climate targets and will cover the period from 2025 onwards.
“We have included actions aimed at reducing vulnerability, adapting to climate change, and preventing its impacts,” said Minister Sophallet. “In line with our ambitious goals, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44.7 per cent through 190 actions. We have achieved 166 out of 190 actions, or 87 per cent,” he added.
Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi highlighted the importance of equity in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing that while climate change affects everyone, its impacts are felt differently by men and women. She noted that women often bear the brunt of the consequences, including increased heat, which affects their health and productivity, and rising temperatures that can lead to physical and sexual violence.
Example:
For instance, a study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) found that extreme heat impacts domestic work, leading to health issues such as dehydration. Women, who traditionally take on nurturing, caregiving, and educational roles, are especially affected.
ADB Country Director for Cambodia Jyotsana Varma emphasized the critical role that women play in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. She noted that women are not just victims of climate change, but also powerful agents of change, and their expertise in STEM fields is vital for designing and implementing green technologies.
Varma highlighted several initiatives where ADB is working to support women’s participation in climate solutions, including promoting women’s participation in sustainable marine fisheries and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Empowering Women as Leaders in the Transition to a Climate-Resilient Future
While the dialogue focused on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, it also highlighted the critical role that women play in addressing the climate crisis. Varma emphasized that empowering women as leaders in the transition to a climate-resilient future is essential for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future.
A DB’s projects, such as promoting climate-resilient aquaculture techniques and improving market access, are helping women who are dominant in post-harvest processing and sales. The organization is also promoting women’s participation in STEM fields, recognizing that expertise in these areas is vital for designing and implementing green technologies.
Varma concluded by stating that today’s dialogue is a vital platform for bringing together key sectors and partners to collaboratively identify, prioritize, and propose concrete strategies for mainstreaming gender into NDC sectors.
Key Takeaways:
1. Integrating gender considerations into climate action plans is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future.
2. Women play a critical role in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
3.
