Abbey Abramson

  Marginalised groups' vulnerability to climate change impacts At the margins of decision-making: women, IPs, and fisherfolk Gendered vulnerability—and missing seats IPCC AR6 and UN bodies underscore what practitioners observe daily: climate risks are differentiated by gender, wealth, location, and identity, and adaptation is more effective when governance is inclusive (IPCC AR6 WGII SPM; UNFCCC policy briefs). Yet, women remain underrepresented in environmental decision-making, from local councils to national planning (UN Women/UN factsheets). It is crucial to differentiate the types of representation women hold within these bodies. Whether women hold decision-making roles, advisory positions, or quota seats significantly affects their influence. Acknowledging and expanding their roles from token participation to effective involvement can substantially improve inclusivity and efficacy in environmental governance. In the Philippines, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (...

  Youth and indigenous peoples' voices at COP30 Youth, Indigenous Voices & Representation at COP30: Gains, Gaps, and the Path Forward COP30 in Belém, Brazil marked a historic moment for public participation in global climate governance. Held for the first time in the Amazon region, the conference gave unprecedented visibility to Indigenous peoples , youth networks , and local communities —groups often disproportionately affected by climate impacts but underrepresented in climate negotiations. The location itself symbolized a shift: from the traditional halls of power in wealthy nations to the heart of a region whose ecological health is central to global climate stability. Yet despite increased visibility, the summit revealed persistent structural challenges. While youth and Indigenous leaders shaped public dialogue, they had limited influence over formal decision-making. This duality— gains in presence, gaps in power —defines the current landscape of climate representation. ...

  Forests, Indigenous Peoples, and the Amazon Forests, Indigenous Peoples & the Amazon: Why the COP in Brazil Was Both Symbolic and Controversial The decision to host the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Pará, Brazil — at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest — was more than logistical. It was symbolic: a global climate summit in the world’s largest tropical rainforest, with visible Indigenous leadership, in the heart of frontline-ecosystem concerns. Yet the summit’s forest outcomes were deeply ambivalent —marked by both noteworthy pledges and serious gaps—making the host location both powerful and problematic. This article unpacks why the Amazon spotlight mattered, what the significant forest-related results at COP30 were, how Indigenous and local-community rights figured in the negotiation, what was not achieved (or only partially so), and what this all means for frontier regions, justice-oriented climate action, and your own focus on meaningful ...

  Community-Led Resilience Strategies Community-led resilience strategies for climate change Community-led resilience strategies are vital for adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions where top-down approaches may be insufficient or poorly suited to local conditions . These strategies leverage the knowledge, skills, and capacities of local communities to develop solutions that are context-specific, inclusive, and sustainable. By empowering communities to take the lead in resilience planning, these initiatives ensure that adaptation efforts are equitable and effective.  This section explores the principles of community-led resilience, highlights successful examples, and examines the challenges and opportunities for scaling these approaches. Principles of Community-Led Resilience Community-led resilience emphasizes that local communities understand their unique challenges best and are ideally equipped to address them. This approach is ...