By: Hilda Fankah-Arthur, Ph.D
Introduction
My participation at COP29 as a representative of Centre for Intellectual Excellence (CeFIE Canada) was a pivotal opportunity to engage in discussions and conversations around inclusivity in climate change resilience and adaptation. The impact of climate change is evident in various aspects of human life and continues to influence activities across societies, including both developing and underdeveloped nations. While climate change may not directly create inequalities, its effects exacerbate existing disparities, particularly for marginalized groups. This underscores the necessity of adopting an inclusive lens to address the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on communities worldwide.
CeFIE Canada’s contribution highlighted how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions to reflect this reality in alignment with our commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. This was made possible through the generous support and sponsorship of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), which provided a platform to share insights on this critical topic. ECCC’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable climate action aligns with the principles of equity and actively supports the empowerment of diverse voices in building climate resilience.
COP29 provided a powerful platform to engage with global speakers on diverse perspectives to discuss how the world can prepare for and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Through expert panels, collaborative workshops, and knowledge sharing, it became evident that inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic approach to building resilience. This article reflects on the key takeaways from COP29, examines the role of inclusive practices in fostering climate resilience, and explores actionable strategies for individuals, organizations, and institutions globally.
Climate change impacts are not experienced equally. Marginalized groups, including Black people, women, Indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and youth, often bear the brunt of environmental degradation due to systemic inequalities. For instance, according to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), women are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters because of their roles as caregivers and their limited access to resources and decision-making power. Similarly, Indigenous communities are among the first to face the devastating consequences of rising temperatures and ecological disruptions, despite contributing the least to global emissions.
Using an inclusive lens means acknowledging these disparities and ensuring that all voices, especially those from underrepresented and vulnerable groups, are central to climate action. This approach not only fosters equity but also brings diverse perspectives and traditional knowledge systems into resilience-building efforts. Indigenous practices around the world, for example, offer sustainable solutions to land management, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation that are invaluable in adapting to climate change.
At COP29, inclusivity was one of the recurring themes across sessions focused on resilience and adaptability. Amongst various propositions, the conference underscored the need for:
To build inclusive climate resilience and adaptability, efforts must span individuals, organizations, and institutions across both developed and developing nations:
Individuals:
Organizations:
Institutions and Governments:
Building inclusive climate resilience requires a holistic approach that embeds equity at every stage—from policy design to implementation and evaluation. Key strategies include:
Together, these interconnected strategies can drive global efforts toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable climate future—ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of climate change.
Building inclusive climate change resilience and adaptability is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment. My participation as a representative of CeFIE Canada to advance shared goals and mandates at COP29 exemplified how platforms like COP can elevate diverse voices and foster collaborative solutions. CeFIE Canada continues to use our platform and initiatives such as the World Diversity in Leadership (WODIL) conference to advance this cause. We also collaborate on initiatives led by the Global Economic Diversification Council (GED Council) to emphasize the diverse and far-reaching effects of the climate change crisis on economic development.
ECCC’s leadership in advancing inclusive climate policies and empowering marginalized communities sets a powerful example for others to follow.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, it is imperative to keep highlighting this critical topic. By embracing inclusivity, we can create a future where resilience is shared, adaptation is equitable, and the benefits of climate action reach everyone.
Authored by:
Hilda Fankah-Arthur, Ph.D
President and Founder:
Centre for Intellectual Excellence (CeFIE Canada)
Global Economic Diversification Council (GED Council)