The Biden administration, demonstrating its commitment to climate action and gender equity, announced plans to allocate $3 billion in taxpayer funds to support global climate initiatives. This declaration was made at the recent Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, where the U.S. pledged robust financial support to assist international efforts in tackling climate change.
Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at COP28, outlined the U.S. strategy to intensify climate action in various economic sectors, including energy, transportation, and building infrastructure, while prioritizing environmental justice and climate-resilient communities. Harris emphasized the U.S.’s dedication to increasing international climate finance, proudly announcing the substantial pledge to the Green Climate Fund. This fund aims to aid developing nations in investing in resilience, clean energy, and nature-based solutions.
The White House’s detailed plan also includes initiatives specifically designed to advance gender equity in the context of climate change. Notable among these is the Global Girls Creating Change program, which aspires to provide professional opportunities in the sustainable economy for 900 girls and young women across 29 countries. Additionally, significant financial commitments from the Rockefeller Foundation and the UPS Foundation aim to promote gender equity and create economic opportunities for women in the context of climate change.
The initiative’s fact sheet credits the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both passed under President Joe Biden’s administration, for propelling the U.S. towards meeting its emissions targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement. Biden’s prompt rejoining of the Paris Climate Agreement, reversing former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal, underscores the administration’s stance on climate change.
The Paris Climate Agreement and the U.N.’s climate policy both underscore the importance of gender equality and international equity in climate action. Recognizing gender as a crucial factor in policy development and implementation, these agreements advocate a gender-responsive approach to effectively adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, acknowledging the socially constructed nature of gender and its implications in this global challenge.