Climate change and SDGs in the Global South: Unraveling intersectionalities

Dasra, a strategic philanthropy organisation, along with Observer Research Foundation, launched a landmark report on the intersection of climate and the SDGs in India titled Our Uncommon Future : Intersectionality of Climate Change and SDGs in the Global South at the Think20 (T20) Summit on July 31, 2023. The T20 is an official engagement group of the G20 and serves as an “ideas bank” for the G20 by bringing together think tanks and high-level experts to deliberate on relevant policy issues.  

The report seeks to shed light on the intricate web of connections between climate change and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for Goals), highlighting the urgency of a holistic approach in our pursuit of a sustainable future.

The report also looks at innovative interventions and solutions addressing the issues posed by these intersectionalities, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the country. These case studies serve as compendium of insights, good practices and lessons shared by diverse actors on driving equitable climate action and strengthening community resilience.

The launch of the report was followed by a panel discussion on ‘‘Threads of Transformation: Unravelling the Intersectionalities between the SDGs and Climate Change” featuring Neera Nundy, Managing Partner, Dasra, India; Danang Parikesit, Professor, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia;  Vijay Datta, Principal, Modern School (Barakhamba Road), India; Li Xiaoyun, Chair Professor, China Agricultural University (CAU), China; Prarthana Ramesh, Head - Environment City Systems, Janaagraha, India; Uthara Narayanan Co-Founder, Buzz Women, India and Aparna Roy (moderator), Fellow and Lead, Climate Change and Energy, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, Observer Research Foundation.

The discussion explored the intersectionalities between climate and various critical SDGs, particularly with respect to their impact on underserved communities in the Global South. Panelists also discussed the role that various stakeholders can play in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, while also strengthening the resilience of communities at the frontline of climate impacts.

"We must inspire philanthropy to unlock climate action and build adaptive resilience for the most vulnerable communities, by making the climate – SDG intersectionality mainstream. The movement towards a sustainable and inclusive future for our communities mandates the involvement of all actors in climate action. Civil society, the government, philanthropic organisations, industry and consumers must understand why it is important to shift this paradigm to an intersectional and collaborative approach," Nundy added.

As we face mounting global challenges related to climate change and sustainable development, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing these issues in isolation is no longer feasible. Climate change has profound implications for all aspects of human life and the planet's ecosystems, including the realization of the SDGs. Despite climate change being a global concern, its impact is different across geographies, the situation being particularly grave for India. India is the fifth most vulnerable of 181 countries to the effects of climate change, with our poorest and marginalized communities being the most at risk.

“We stand at the crossroads of climate change and sustainable development, and this report serves as a compass for the future, where environmental stewardship and social equity converge. We must recognize that every aspect of our life, from biodiversity preservation to gender equality, poverty eradication to healthcare, is interconnected with the urgent need to address the climate crisis. Only by uniting these efforts can we pave the way for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.” said Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, Observer Research Foundation.

Key takeaways of the report

• With the global system facing a multitude of crises across the social, health, and environmental spectrum, there is an urgent need for scaling international cooperation to find solutions. Development cooperation is increasingly recognising the roles that stakeholders play in the climate ecosystem, such as the private sector, civil society organisations (CSOs), and philanthropic organisations.
• India’s large philanthropic community is uniquely positioned to support the CSOs driving climate action by offering capacity building, long-term capital, and technical assistance and can play a catalytic role in supplementing the efforts of other development stakeholders towards climate action.
• India’s vibrant civil society, with its proximity to communities, vast geographical spread, and unique mobilisation skills, has the potential to scale inclusive climate action in the country and enhance climate resilience at the grassroots.
• SDG 17 envisions encouraging and promoting effective public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

About Dasra

Dasra, meaning ‘enlightened giving’ in Sanskrit, is a pioneering strategic philanthropy organisation that aims to transform India, where a billion people thrive with dignity and equity. Since its inception in 1999, Dasra has accelerated social change by driving collaborative action through powerful partnerships among a trust-based network of stakeholders (corporates, foundations, families, non-profits, social businesses, government and media). Over the years, Dasra has deepened social impact in focused fields that include Climate, Adolescents, Urban Sanitation and Democracy and Governance, and has built social capital by leading a strategic philanthropy movement in the country. 

About ORF

Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is an independent global think tank based in Delhi, India. The foundation has three centres in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. ORF provides potentially viable inputs for policy and decision-makers in the Indian Government and to the political and business communities of India.