Ahead of the expected publication of the Mayor’s Climate Resilience Review, Zack Polanski AM has issued a new report outlining the importance of evaluating any climate recommendations through an intersectional gender lens. [1]
Drafted in cooperation with colleagues from University College London and the Gender Responsive Resilience and Intersectionality in Policy and Practice (GRRIPP) project, Zack’s report uses global case studies to emphasize exactly why the unique vulnerabilities of female, LGBTQIA+, and low-paid Londoners merits deliberate consideration in climate adaptation planning.
Underpinning these recommendations is the need to establish a Citizens’ Assembly to deliberate London’s climate strategy and ensure direct participation from a diverse set of Londoners.
To date, it is unclear whether the Mayor and Greater London Authority’s (GLA) planning has considered gender in any way in drafting its climate recommendations.
Green Party London Assembly Member Zack Polanski said:
“Today's report makes it clear: the gender of our decisionmakers matters.
“I am tremendously proud to work with the brilliant researchers at University College London, the as well as the Gender Responsive Resilience and Intersectionality in Policy and Practice (GRRIPP) project on this new report. Together, we have demonstrated exactly why, if we remain committed to realising a climate-safe London, diverse and marginalised communities must have a seat at the table.
“When we lack diversity in our decision-making spaces, we cripple our own ability to respond to our planet’s most urgent problems. I hope London’s leaders will recognize urgency of this inclusion work.”
The report’s recommendations are as follows:
-
Revise climate assessments through an intersectional gender lens
-
Deliver genuine and inclusive public participation
-
Set gender-sensitive targets and monitor against delivery
-
Define organisational responsibilities
-
Deliver adequate funding
A full copy of the report can be downloaded here.