Climate Crisis Merges with Justice Issues, Experts Warn

Climate change is deeply intertwined with social and global inequalities, including gender, economic status, and historical injustices. Activists and scientists alike emphasize that vulnerable groups—especially women, children, and poorer nations—are disproportionately affected by climate impacts, as existing inequalities intensify their exposure and limit their ability to respond. Researchers like Friederike Otto argue that tackling climate change requires addressing racism, colonialism, and sexism, not just technical emissions reductions, because those who benefit most from fossil fuels are often the least affected by its consequences. Climate attribution science now helps link extreme weather events to human-induced climate change, bringing greater clarity and accountability, and enabling efforts to seek compensation from major polluters. Despite pledges at global summits for loss and damage compensation, financial support for the worst-affected countries remains insufficient. Achieving climate justice, experts assert, will only be possible when equity and social justice are centered in every climate action.