How Does Green Patriarchy Shape Climate Action? A Critical Analysis on Gendered Inequities in Climate Solutions

Abstract

Women, particularly in the Global South, are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their social, economic, and cultural responsibilities. However, their knowledge and contributions are often overlooked in mainstream climate policies and discussions. This exclusion highlights deep-rooted gender power structures commonly referred to as ‘green patriarchy’. This critical review explores how green patriarchy influences climate action and sustains gender inequities in climate solutions. It addresses three research questions: (a) How does green patriarchy appear in climate governance? (b) What barriers prevent women from participating in climate decision-making? (c) How can gender-focused policies improve climate justice? Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, the study analyses peer-reviewed literature, feminist political ecology theories and reports from organisations such as the UNFCCC, the IPCC and the UN. Through thematic and content analysis, it examines gendered policy design, participation challenges and strategies for equitable climate action. The findings show that green patriarchy, embedded in technocratic and market-based solutions like carbon trading and geoengineering, favours male-dominated perspectives, marginalising women’s knowledge. Examples, such as the Noel Kempff Project in Bolivia and adaptation policies in Aotearoa of New Zealand, highlight how these approaches exclude women, weakening climate resilience. Key barriers include unequal access to resources, low representation in global forums, and cultural norms that limit women’s role, worsening issues like health risks and economic insecurity. The study calls for intersectional and decolonial approaches to reshape climate governance. It recommends increasing women’s representation, ensuring gender-sensitive funding and incorporating indigenous knowledge and care ethics into policies to build stronger, fairer climate responses. In conclusion, overcoming green patriarchy requires more than inclusion, it demands transformative change. By prioritising women’s voices, leadership and grassroots efforts, climate policies can become equitable and sustainable, addressing gender injustices and advancing climate justice while respecting diverse ecological knowledge and lived experiences for a just climate future.