A youth campaigner advocates for more inclusive climate action

By Imran Hamid

Growing up in a climate-vulnerable community has always inspired me to help my village community through my work. As I worked with various organizations, I witnessed the struggles people face in the coastal areas of Bangladesh due to climate change. This crisis disproportionately affects those who already face societal discrimination, including those who identify themselves as people with diverse SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics). 

At my organization Inclusive Bangladesh, my primary goal is to advocate for SOGIESC community rights and develop their capacity to live peacefully and contribute to society. During visits to northern Bangladesh, I observed that climate change-induced poverty forces SOGIESC individuals to move to cities as most people from that community are involved in entertainment, but poverty is narrowing their income source in those areas and complicating their lives. Besides, they are facing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) problems.

At the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY18), I emphasized that effective climate action must consider these overlapping issues. Intersectionality in climate action recognizes that different social identities—such as gender, sexual orientation, and economic status—intersect, creating various and compounding experiences of discrimination. Climate policies must include the voices and needs of the most vulnerable, ensuring that everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive in a changing climate. Protecting the planet means protecting all its people, especially those who are most at risk. It is about creating a world where everyone, regardless of their identity, can thrive in the face of climate change.

Youth voices resonate: COY18 Global Youth Statement 

At the heart of COY18 lies the Global Youth Statement, a collective expression of youth perspectives worldwide. In the session hosted by Children and Youth International (CYI), I said “The voice of SOGIESC youth should be ensured in the policy and decision making as they are underrepresented.” Fellow South Asian climate advocates and I urged that disabled people and climate migrants should be represented in the future COY, as this will make the statement more inclusive.

Navigating the nexus of rights and climate justice: inclusive education for climate empowerment 

In the session hosted by the YOUNGO Human Rights Working Group, which deals with intersectional climate and human rights, I shared insights on gender minority rights in the context of climate justice in Bangladesh, and one participant from Fiji also shared their situation and the challenges faced by diverse marginalized groups in their communities. At the session titled "Action for Climate Empowerment and Climate Education for Children", I highlighted the necessity for comprehensive and inclusive climate education initiatives that respect and acknowledge diverse identities. 

Harmonizing leadership: youths as catalysts for climate peace and security 

As a member of the United Network of Young Peacebuilders, I articulated the intersectionality between climate change and the peace and security concerns of SOGIESC communities in the session titled "Youths as Change Agents on Climate, Peace, and Security." I highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues and the necessity of involving youth in climate-related decisions and actions, fostering a more inclusive approach to climate, peace and security. 

Empowering communities: from crisis to resilience  

I highlighted the impact of climate change on reproductive health, especially on the water and sanitation crisis faced by coastal women in Bangladesh. I emphasized the urgent need for sustainable water management and the disproportionate impact of water scarcity on SOGIESC communities, advocating for inclusive and equitable solutions. 

Climate finance and local action: climate investment funds and British Council sessions 

Regarding climate finance, I emphasized the need for funds to circulate in the Global South. I advocated for equitable resource distribution, especially support that must also reach those from SOGIESC backgrounds to ensure their access to financing.  

In the British Council session titled "ACE: Climate Connection: Local and Global Action," I discussed how the ACE (Action for Climate Empowerment) initiative could address the specific needs of Bangladesh. By highlighting the problem regarding access to climate empowerment faced by SOGIESC communities in Bangladesh in the context of climate action, I emphasized the importance of localized efforts in the global fight against climate change. 

A vision for the future: COY18 and beyond 

Reflecting on my experiences, I envision a future where SOGIESC communities worldwide have their rights recognized and the intersectionality of climate action and human rights is addressed. I plan to organize focus group discussions and awareness campaigns, targeting affected SOGIESC groups, policymakers, and community leaders. I aim to implement policies supporting human rights and inclusive climate action by establishing partnerships with local organizations. 

In a region where climate change impacts are felt disproportionately, I am tirelessly advocating for SOGIESC people, climate action, and community development. The journey at COY18 may have ended, but the impact of my advocacy will ripple through communities, fostering a future where every human life with dignity and a resilient planet coexists harmoniously.