Climate justice
A more equal world is possible. One where any of us vulnerable to the climate crisis have the resources to survive extreme weather, and the opportunity to build sustainable futures for generations to come.
Donate nowThe climate crisis brings enormous injustice. It is affecting us all, but not equally. In fact, the people who have contributed least to the changing climate are being affected by it the most, and are likely to be less able to protect themselves from the impacts.
Oxfam is seeking climate justice by making sure the people who are most impacted have a strong voice to influence policies and challenge polluters. We are also holding the biggest carbon emitters to account, advocating that they put resources back into communities to help them prepare and respond to climate impacts.
A safe, clean-energy future should be equally attainable for everyone, not a privilege reserved for wealthy nations and individuals. We are making sure people living in poverty benefit from future decisions about renewable energy and the creation of green, sustainable economies.
The disproportionate impact on communities
The climate crisis is disproportionately impacting people who are living in poverty, indigenous communities, women and children.
Despite being the original custodians of their lands, indigenous communities are often denied their fair share of its natural resources and are rarely involved in the decisions and policies that affect their lives and lands. The climate crisis deepens this injustice, and threatens the way of life and survival of indigenous communities around the world.
Women are more affected by climate change than men. They are often responsible for collecting water, will eat less than their family in times of scarcity and fare worse than men in times of disaster. Gender inequality means that women are also less likely to have access to knowledge, tools and finance to help them overcome climate challenges.
And of course, one of the greatest threats from climate change is to the health and prospects of our younger generations, who will face more extreme weather events, more limited access to clean water and food, and the risks associated with a rapidly changing environment.
To achieve climate justice, we must address the unequal burden placed on these communities. Everyone deserves a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their future, and Oxfam is making sure the voices of indigenous communities, women and those living in poverty are heard in the halls of power.
Advocating for policy change and accountability
Global emissions are not declining rapidly enough. People living in poverty will continue to see their basic human rights undermined as they lose their lands, livelihoods, health and even their lives to climate change.
We must ensure the global temperature rise stays below 1.5 degrees Celsius so that people can adapt and survive. Our climate justice approach is to make sure that communities have a strong voice to challenge the biggest polluters and demand that those responsible for carbon emissions support them. Part of this work is making sure that climate finance — international funding to support climate action in low-income countries — is available to people who are impacted by climate change.
At a community level, we work with local partners, particularly women’s groups, to develop climate solutions that mitigate climate change, build resilience, protect human rights and transform lives.
Equal access to clean energy and sustainable development
Climate injustice is a huge threat to people living in poverty, but this ledger can begin to be rebalanced with opportunities presented by the transition to clean energy.
A move away from our reliance on fossil fuels and towards renewable energy projects will provide low-income communities with green jobs, more affordable energy and sustainable solutions for housing and transport. Everyone must benefit from these opportunities to seek environmental justice and a transition to a greener future.
What is Oxfam doing to help
Building climate resilience
We are working alongside communities to respond to the increasing risk of climate disasters. We align with local partners to help communities address climate risks, shocks and
uncertainties.
Enabling just and fair transitions
We are moving towards an environmentally sustainable economy that is no longer reliant on fossil fuel energy and contributes to decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty.
Advocating access to climate finance
We are strong advocates for climate finance, which is international funding to support climate action in low-income countries. This is a matter of global justice: those who have contributed least to the causes of climate change are typically the most vulnerable to its impacts, and have the least resources to respond.
Our stories
When you support Oxfam, you help create a world without the inequality that fuels poverty. Here’s what that looks like for the communities we work with.
“We have to work together in term of conservation, because it will provide the long-term benefits for next generations.”
Meet Siphon
“I knew that our next step forward was going to be to digitise our knowledge, just because of technology — that’s the way that it’s going.”
Meet Obby![Bangladesh: Munni is a tea garden worker and earns just 170 Taka [AU$2.30] per day. She has to take out loans in order to buy groceries and then struggles to pay these loans back. Munni attended training run by Oxfam partner organisation, Breaking the Silence, and says she has gained courage through this training. Photo: Fabeha Monir/Oxfam](https://www.oxfam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Munni-crop.png "Bangladesh: Munni is a tea garden worker and earns just 170 Taka [AU$2.30] per day. She has to take out loans in order to buy groceries and then struggles to pay these loans back. Munni attended training run by Oxfam partner organisation, Breaking the Silence, and says she has gained courage through this training. Photo: Fabeha Monir/Oxfam")
“When meetings started here, I attended those and gradually gained courage.”
Meet Munni
“When I became involved with the VPride … it also helped to build up my confidence.”
Meet Yannick
“I’m working with Oxfam on a project that supports women in rural areas to respond and adapt to natural disasters.”
Meet Magda
