Broadening Metrics:  The Non-Economic Losses of Climate Change in the Global South 

Introduction:

The Climate Crisis encompasses more than the sum of its impact on the environment – it is deeply intertwined with the concurrent crisis of social inequality across various groups and communities that manifest in concentric layers among and within countries. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the Global South, notably among the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Paradoxically,  it is within these regions that the poorest and most marginalised communities bear the disproportionate burden of climate change, despite having historically contributed the least to its causes. 

While economic losses make headlines, they often miss a deeper story - how a complex web of social identities and power structures shapes people’s everyday lives and well-being. The climate crisis disproportionately affects women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous people, ethnic minorities, and sexual and gender minorities. The concerns of these groups, encompassing the loss of territory, cultural heritage, indigenous or local knowledge, and the associated challenges they face, are frequently overlooked. It is crucial to recognize that the impacts of climate change do not exist in isolation, but intersect with pre-existing vulnerabilities, creating a web of compounding challenges. 

We must strive to reexamine the fundamental pretexts of quantifying and measuring the non-economic losses associated with climate change, considering their diverse and intricate impacts on individuals and communities. For example, a marginalized identity has a multiplier effect on the challenges of gender equality, education, health, food security, income and livelihoods among others, creating a cascading impact that exacerbates problems that they already face. To achieve equitable outcomes, we must look at climate change impacts through an intersectional approach to understand its lived, complex and individualised experiences. 

Overall aim:

The panel discussion aims to expand the narrow focus on economic metrics to understand the non-economic losses of climate change, particularly from a Global South perspective.  It seeks to bridge the gap between climate change discourse and the lived experiences of people. By incorporating the social dimensions of climate change into dialogue and policies, the panel aims to foster inclusivity, facilitate collaborative dialogues among stakeholders from different countries and generate actionable strategies. 

Specific objectives:

• To amplify the lived experiences of communities most affected by climate change in the Global South
• To explore and integrate the unique perspectives, skills and knowledge of stakeholders to enrich the understanding of climate change and inform comprehensive policies 
• To foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders to develop a holistic approach to addressing the social dimensions of climate change

Organiser: Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN)

Co-Organisers: LDC Watch, South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE), Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Federation of Community Forestry  Users Nepal (FECOFUN)

Opening Remarks: 

Dr. Arjun Karki, President, Rural Reconstruction Nepal

Speakers: 

1. Claire Miranda, Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development 
2. Sharif Jamal, Coordinator, WaterKeepers Bangladesh 
3. Naji Moulay Lahsen, The Network of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in North Africa 
4. Bharati Pathak, Chair, Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal 
5. Ayesha Ahmad, Climate Justice Activist
6. Dr. Esrat Jahan, Handicap International Federation
7. JeibuNisha Reyazbabu, Centre for World Solidarity