Addressing the overlapping risks of climate change and urbanization is crucial to address the growing inequality within and across societies, said the speakers at a workshop.
The all-day workshop on “Understanding the overlapping risks of climate change and urbanization: building a response to gendered well-being” was collaboratively organized by the University of York, York Environmental Sustainability Institute, International Centre for Climate Change and Development, ActionAid Bangladesh and ARK Foundation at a city hotel on Tuesday.
Speakers highlighted the importance and urgency of addressing the overlapping risks of climate change and urbanization, particularly considering the gendered impacts of these overlapping risks. The workshop brought together practitioners, academicians, government and NGO/civil society officials representing the environment, health, gender and development sectors.
All participants agreed that the systemic risks of climate change and urbanization are becoming more disruptive and dangerous. It was acknowledged that these risks are overlapping and creating new sets of more dangerous and damaging risks.
The speakers also highlighted that these risks have differential impact across gender, resulting in growing urban inequality. It is urgent not only to address these overlapping risks, but also the gendered impact of these risks.
The workshop was co-moderated by Dr Anika Haque and Professor Helen Elsey from the University of York, UK.
All participants urged for a multi sectoral and co-ordinated approach to address the overlapping risks and acknowledged that co-production and sharing of knowledge incorporating the knowledge holders at all levels (including local communities) and sectors is essential.