Full Breakdown
Intersectionality in Climate Justice and Gender-Based Violence in Brazil
8/29/2025, 9:03:57 PM
The Climate Crisis and Its Disproportionate Impact
In Brazil, the intersection of climate change, environmental racism, and gender-based violence presents a critical issue, particularly affecting Black women. According to the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 54% of the Brazilian population self-identifies as Black, with women constituting approximately 51.7% of the population in favelas, which house over 16 million people. The Ministry of Health reports that over 60% of violence against women in Brazil involves Black women, and the 2025 Atlas of Violence indicates that more than 68% of women murdered in 2023 were Black. These statistics highlight the compounded effects of systemic neglect and violence faced by Afro-descendant women, who are often the first to suffer from the impacts of climate change.
From 2020 to 2023, over 80% of Brazilian municipalities experienced disasters linked to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. The AdaptaBrasil platform notes that more than 66% of these municipalities have low adaptive capacity, leading to inadequate public policy responses. This situation underscores the concept of environmental and climate racism, where marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters.
The Role of Civil Society and Upcoming COP30
As Brazil prepares to host COP30, there is a call for the conference to prioritize racial and gender justice in climate policies. Civil society organizations, social movements, and particularly Black women, are urged to play a central role in shaping the agenda. The Black Women’s March exemplifies grassroots efforts to combat racism and violence while advocating for the well-being of Black women in Brazil. Activists emphasize that climate justice must be intersectional, feminist, and anti-racist, recognizing the unequal impacts of climate change and the need for equitable solutions.
The upcoming COP30 is seen as an opportunity for Brazil to lead in addressing these issues, ensuring that the voices of historically marginalized populations are included in decision-making processes. The conference aims to establish a new model of climate governance that emphasizes equity and dignity.
Criticism and Calls for Action
Critics argue that without genuine inclusion of marginalized voices, previous mistakes in climate negotiations may be repeated. There is a pressing need for disaggregated data by race, gender, and location to inform policy decisions effectively. Activists assert that Afro-descendant women must no longer be rendered invisible in discussions about climate justice and gender-based violence.
The urgency of these issues is compounded by the ongoing climate crisis, which acts as a multiplier of existing social injustices. The call for action emphasizes that addressing climate change cannot be separated from tackling systemic racism and gender inequality.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We hope that COP30 represents more than just a transition agenda—that it becomes a milestone of historical reparations and a commitment to a new model of climate governance, grounded in equity and dignity.” — Mariana de Paula, Executive Director of the Decodifica Institute
- “We have the opportunity not to repeat the mistakes of previous COPs, to stand firm and say that Afro-descendant women will no longer be made invisible.” — Activist statement on the need for representation in climate discussions.
In summary, the intersection of climate justice and gender-based violence in Brazil highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black women. As Brazil prepares for COP30, the focus must remain on ensuring that these voices are heard and that solutions are equitable and just.
