In brief
The Vatican has faced scrutiny at the COP29 climate conference for obstructing proposals to enhance support for women affected by climate change, as it expresses concerns over addressing LGBTQ+ rights. This move, alongside other conservative nations, has stalled discussions crucial for addressing gender disparities in climate impact.
The Vatican has come under fire for its role in blocking initiatives aimed at advancing women's rights at the ongoing COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan. Reports indicate that the Vatican's Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, representing Pope Francis, has allied with countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and Egypt to prevent a deal aimed at providing increased financial and structural support for women disproportionately affected by climate change.According to Colombia's environment minister, Susana Muhamad, this coalition has objected to the inclusion of any references to "gender" in the new UN action plan, voicing fears that such language could encompass transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ rights. With women and girls currently representing 80% of those displaced by climate-related crises, charities including ActionAid emphasize the critical need for a gender-sensitive approach in climate discussions.For over a decade, the Lima Work Programme on Gender has aimed to integrate women's experiences into climate action plans, yet the current participants, influenced by the Vatican's stance, oppose the longstanding references to address gender diversity and the struggles of various groups of women. Muhamad expressed frustration over the stagnation of negotiations, asserting that Latin American representatives would continue to champion women's rights, without allowing these concerns to be sidelined.The impact of climate change, particularly on women, has garnered international recognition, with forecasts suggesting that by 2050, women and girls will face increased food insecurity compared to their male counterparts. Still, shockingly, only a minuscule fraction of climate funding addresses gender issues.Charity representatives at the conference were surprised by the sudden stance taken by the Vatican and allied nations, highlighting a concerning shift away from support for women’s rights. With three days remaining in the conference, fears are rising that the deadlock could jeopardize the essential support mechanisms for women facing climate adversity.Critics have pointed out that this political maneuvering reflects a troubling global backlash against women's and LGBTQ+ rights, questioning the timing of these objections after years of non-contention regarding gender-related terminology.Despite Pope Francis' flexibility on certain LGBTQ+ topics, the Vatican maintains a traditional view on marriage between a man and a woman, showing reluctance to broaden its support beyond this framework.As the current UN gender program is set to expire soon, the absence of a renewed commitment resulting from COP29 would leave a void in global support for women impacted by climate emergencies. Activists lament the insufficient representation of women within the negotiation process, which averages only 36%, echoing the critical need for a greater presence of women's voices in climate policy development.A letter from the EU, supported by 17 other nations, underscores the importance of empowering women and girls in tackling the climate crisis, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive discussions in future negotiations.
