We all know that urgent action is required to respond to the climate crisis and that this will mean a very different approach to our economy and how we live our lives.
But how do we make sure this shift is one that delivers for women and tackles structural inequality? How can we seize the opportunity to deliver a green, caring and equitable economy in Wales?
This was the focus of an event as part of State of the Nation activities in February 2022. In discussion with Minister for Climate Change Julie James, we considered why we need a feminist approach to tackling the climate crisis, what this approach might look like and how we can get there.
So why do we even need to consider applying a feminist lens to climate change and the green economy?
Well, as with almost all issue, this one affects women and men differently, as a result of deep rooted, persistent inequalities, not just in Wales but around the world. Globally, women are more likely to feel the negative impacts of climate change. Women’s reliance on agriculture, fisheries and forests for subsistence or employment in many contexts—and their primary responsibility for household food, water and fuel provision—means that land degradation, deforestation, water scarcity and pollution intensify their paid and unpaid workloads and increase their risks of poverty and hunger, against which they typically have fewer resources to buffer the impacts (UN Women, 2016).
The impact on unpaid work is also seen here. As households and individuals are encouraged to make different choices about how they travel, what they purchase and what they reuse and recycle, this comes with a time cost. Many of these changes take more time, they result in a greater amount of unpaid work, which we know overwhelmingly falls to women. Women spend more time and money to find environmentally friendly products, which has grown into a massive market. By trying to find and use eco-friendly products, such as green menstrual products, plastic free cosmetics, kitchen wares, non-toxic cleaning products or biodegradable nappies, women shoulder the burden of responsibility for the change in the day to day life necessary for tackling the climate disaster.
Responding to the climate crisis requires change at a much larger scale than individual and household choices though. We’re looking at a complete overhaul of our economy and labour market, with a focus on cleaner industries, decarbonisation and green technology and engineering. This will inevitably result in a shift in the types of jobs available, with a possible reduction in the numbers employed in dirty industries, and an increase in the number employed in greener industries and occupations. Discussion of these ‘green jobs’ often focuses on new and emerging occupations in largely STEM sectors. This brings a clear gender implication – women are still massively under-represented in STEM jobs. Those that do work in STEM, are often working in lower paid roles, resulting in a large gender pay gap.
If we are to ensure that a shift to a green economy is a just transition, then we must look at redressing these imbalances as a matter of urgency, or we risk baking in the same inequalities we see now.
Discussion of the green economy must, however, go beyond just decarbonisation and green jobs in STEM. Feminist ecologists and activists highlight that paid and unpaid care work are at the heart of a green transition, and that the care sector is already a low carbon sector. The care sector is quintessentially green, and not only generates jobs for many but also regenerates human capabilities; this foundational sector is fundamentally embedded to the wellbeing of the human population. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of and need for care has only been made clearer.
This brings us back to a really fundamental question; what do we mean by a green economy and green jobs?
A broader definition from the New Economic Foundation, describes the green recovery as “delivering good quality livelihoods whilst supporting rapid decarbonisation and improving biodiversity in Wales”, and includes improving people’s livelihoods and biodiversity alongside decarbonising the economy. This broader understanding of the green economy is vital and enables us to look beyond just decarbonisation and consider how every part of our economy can contribute to the wellbeing of Wales. This approach is essential if we are to drive sustainable change that delivers fairly for all.
There is rightly a significant focus in Wales on responding to the climate crisis. Equally important is the focus on social justice and tackling inequality. What we must do going forward is ensure that these two agendas are brought together. The political will is there, so let’s seize the unique opportunity we have to reshape the Welsh economy to one that is green, caring and equitable.