This framing chapter offers an introduction to the intersection of international development, young women and girls, and climate change. In doing so, it highlights three overarching messages for building inclusive societies in a changing climate.
First, tackling climate change is a question of justice, not just hitting targets. The imperative for profiling young women and girls in the climate change arena comes not just from instrumental concerns around achieving development goals or sustainable economic growth. It is also driven by the fundamental ways that it challenges social justice and at the same time presents opportunities for a more equal, fair and just world.
Second, the vulnerability ‘race to the bottom’ may be misguided. Highlighting the vulnerability of young women and girls to climate change impacts on the assumption that this will ensure their interests and needs will be taken into account is not enough. The race to the bottom to be the most vulnerable group is based on the false assumptions that these lists alone guide decision making and resource allocations.
Third, we need to refocus efforts to realize the agency of young women and girls in our response to climate change.
From the book: Adolescent Girls, Cornerstone of Society: Building Evidence and Policies for Inclusive Societies
