Changing weather patterns and rising sea levels caused by the climate crisis are threatening the very existence of islands across the globe. These impacts are also felt on the island nations of the Dutch Kingdom. Earlier this year, judges in The Hague sided with the residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace in a landmark case against the Dutch government, which argued for the fair protection of the islanders against the impacts of the climate crisis. Still, little attention is being paid to the differences among the island communities. Women worldwide are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Yet, the voices of these women are rarely considered when it comes to decision-making processes around climate action. In the lead up to the annual UN climate summit, we will discuss critical feminist perspectives on the climate crisis, specifically in relation to the Caribbean islands. What does a feminist perspective on climate justice in the islands look like? Why is it important to use a gendered lens when talking about climate justice? And how can Dutch MP’s insert these perspectives into the conversations held at the annual UN climate summit in Antalya this November?
At 19.00 the participants of the Feminist Climate Academy will present a pre-programme in which they will exhibit several actions that they’re organising to spread awareness and advocate for feminist climate justice.
About the speakers
Lysanne Charles investigates the social and political dimensions of climate justice in the Caribbean. Her research on Bonaire highlights how marginalised communities navigate climate change, resource extraction, and governance gaps, emphasizing the need for equitable policies that center local knowledge and autonomy in climate adaptation.
Riddhi Samtani is a leader in fighting climate change in the Caribbean. She’s deeply connected to St. Martin and wants to understand how climate change affects small islands like hers. Riddhi is a global advocate, speaking up for climate action at conferences like COP, and she combines research and hands-on experience to tackle climate issues in the Caribbean. Currently, she works as a policy advisor for the Government of St. Martin.
