Using intersectionality to localise the GGA

Localising the Global Goal on Adaptation through Intersectional Thinking

Why this matters: The GGA aims to boost resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change. But to be effective, global goals must be translated into locally relevant strategies. This is where intersectional thinking becomes essential.

Intersectional thinking helps us understand how overlapping social identities like gender, race, and class create unique climate vulnerabilities. It’s key to crafting adaptation strategies that are more just and effective.

Our focus: Urban areas are on the frontlines of climate change. By integrating intersectionality into the adaptation policy cycle, cities can address these compounded vulnerabilities, leading to more resilient and equitable communities.

In our publication, we propose a framework to localise the GGA using intersectional thinking. This approach ensures that local realities shape global goals, making adaptation more sustainable and fair.

The framework applies the following 5 principles to the adaptation policy cycle:

• Tackle race and gender inequities
• Redress differential vulnerabilities
• Center ethics & politics of care
• Adopt place-based & -making approaches
• Promote climate activism and community resilience

By applying these principles, cities can develop strategies that not only reduce vulnerabilities but also combat underlying inequalities. This leads to adaptation that benefits everyone—especially marginalized groups.

The GGA offers a unique opportunity to align local actions with global goals. Intersectional thinking helps bridge this gap, ensuring that global adaptation efforts are grounded in local, context-specific realities.

Dive deeper into our work HERE!!