Justice

North-south disparities are especially a threat for prosperity due to the climate crisis. The ratio between the income of the richest and poorest 10% of the global population is 25% larger than it would be in a world without global warming.

• The world’s richest 1% have more than twice as much wealth as 6.9 billion people.
• The bottom 40% earned less than 25% of income.
• Almost half of humanity is living on less than 5.50$ per day.
• While the world’s richest 10% cause 50% of emissions, they also claim 52% of the world’s wealth.
• The world’s poorest 50% contribute approximately 10% of global emissions and receive about 8% of global income.
• Poor people in developing countries will feel the impacts first and worst and already are.

Under a low-impact climate change scenario where powerful mitigation and adaptation strategies are successful, between 3 million and 16 million people will fall into poverty by 2030 because of climate change. Under a high-impact scenario, those figures could rise to between 35 million and 122 million. Nature provides direct sources of food and ecosystem services supporting agricultural activities and contributing to food security and nutrition, fighting climate change is crucial to eradicate world hunger.

The history of colonization of southern countries and climate change requires systemic change of northern systems to enable equally fair opportunities in the south. This implies to not copy the lifestyle and values of northern or western countries onto other parts of the world, but to embrace equity in community-based collaboration across borders through productive, equitable mutual exchange of resources and expertise.

Racial differences and racism vary in their manifestation and intensity according to national historical circumstances, economic contexts and policy frameworks. Disparities in earnings and in unemployment and employment rates between dominant and minority ethnic groups do exist. People living in poverty and other disadvantaged groups – including indigenous peoples and small landholders – are disproportionately exposed to climate change.

The environment can contribute to (racial) equity, including through sound management of natural resources and critical ecosystems, as well as supporting institutional arrangements regarding the use and access to natural resources. Access to natural resources is a major contributor to equity.

• In most countries, women only earn between 60% and 75% of men’s wages - for the same work.
• 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime.
• Over 150 countries have at least one actively sexist law.
• Each minute, 28 girls are married before they are ready.
• Gender inequality is a major cause and effect of hunger and poverty: it is estimated that 60% of chronically hungry people are women and girls.
• There are approximately 781 million illiterate adults worldwide – two-thirds of whom are women.
• In Switzerland, Gross monthly wage (median, total economy) 2018 was CHF 6857 for men and CHF 6067 for women.

Understanding the links between gender equity and environmental degradation and taking responsive actions, can accelerate positive dynamics and promote sustainable development outcomes. Enhancing property rights and access to land and natural resources to women can contribute to reduce lacking gender equity, improve their livelihood options and poverty status. Meeting the targets and Goals of the 2030 Agenda “for all nations and peoples” requires reducing all of these stark disparities. We need to move towards and build inter- and intragenerational equity including justice - the collective responsibility of a free and just society, to ensure that civil and human rights and rights of nature are preserved and protected for each living being now and in the future.

Let’s do something about it and support Non-Profits with their important tasks!

Gender disparity is a problem that negatively affects women around the world in their opportunities and dignity as human beings.

Do you want to be part of the solution? Then collaborate through Copalana and improve your impact!