Sri Lanka is at a crossroads. The impacts of Climate Change are becoming increasingly visible, with erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising sea levels disrupting livelihoods and threatening fragile ecosystems. But these environmental challenges are not just about the weather – they are deeply intertwined with the country’s social fabric, particularly issues of gender inequality and the lingering scars of conflict.
As Sri Lanka prepares its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, there is a unique opportunity to address these interconnected challenges and create a more inclusive and resilient future.
Climate change does not affect everyone equally. In Sri Lanka, women, youth, marginalised groups, and communities in conflict-affected regions bear the brunt of its impacts. Women-headed households, especially in the North and the East, face significant barriers to accessing resources and opportunities.
Coastal communities are grappling with rising sea levels and storms, while rural farmers contend with erratic rainfall and water scarcity. Youth in increasingly unviable agricultural communities are becoming increasingly disaffected and disconnected by the lack of prospects their future holds.
These challenges are compounded by systemic inequalities and governance issues that often leave the most vulnerable without the support they need.
But this is not just a story of vulnerabilities—it is also a story of potential. By integrating gender, peace, and security considerations into its climate commitments, Sri Lanka can turn its NDCs into a powerful tool for social transformation.
One of the most promising avenues for action is empowering women. Women are often at the forefront of managing household resources, adapting to climate impacts, or migrating to supplement household incomes, yet they are frequently excluded from decision-making processes.
Promising avenues
Efforts where women have been given access to training, resources, and leadership opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture or water management have proven successful and sustainable. Women-led agricultural cooperatives, for instance, not only boost food security but also foster collaboration across ethnic and religious divides – a critical step in strengthening social cohesion. Similarly, the bilateral agreement between the Governments of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea for a seasonal worker exchange is viewed as a positive step towards safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, particularly women who face heightened protection risks. However, this scheme is largely seen to benefit the Sinhalese population, while Tamils remain reliant on informal or illegal migration routes, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking.
Governance plays a pivotal role in shaping how climate impacts are managed. Perceptions of inequity in resource allocation, favouring the majority ethnic group over minorities—whether it is water for irrigation, permits for wildlife management, or investments in infrastructure—can exacerbate tensions and undermine trust in Government institutions.
Sri Lanka’s NDC 3.0 must prioritise transparency and accountability, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably and that the voices of marginalised communities are heard. Establishing mechanisms to track progress and involve local stakeholders can build trust and reinforce the social contract between citizens and the state.
Critical area
Social cohesion is another critical area where climate action can make a difference. In many communities, the pressures of Climate Change have eroded traditional support systems, leading to increased individualism and ethnic insularity. Multi-ethnic community initiatives, such as shared water management projects or reforestation efforts, can help rebuild these networks and foster collaboration. These initiatives are not just about managing resources – they are about building relationships and creating a sense of shared purpose.
Of course, none of this will be easy. Addressing the intersection of climate, gender, and peace requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Sri Lanka’s NDCs must go beyond technical solutions and engage with the social and political dimensions of climate action. This means conducting detailed risk assessments to identify hotspots of vulnerability, tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different communities, and ensuring that all actions are conflict-sensitive and inclusive.
There are also opportunities to innovate. For example, introducing renewable energy projects in conflict-affected areas could provide both environmental and social benefits. Subsidising solar panels for women-headed households or establishing waste-to-energy plants managed by local cooperatives could create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and empower marginalised groups. Similarly, promoting eco-tourism initiatives that highlight the cultural heritage of all ethnic and religious communities could foster reconciliation while providing equitable economic opportunities across all ethnic and religious groups.
As Sri Lanka looks to the future, it is clear that climate action cannot be viewed in isolation. The challenges of Climate Change are deeply interconnected with issues of inequality, governance, and social cohesion. But with the right policies and investments, Sri Lanka can turn these challenges into opportunities. By integrating gender, peace, and security into its NDCs, the country can not only address its environmental challenges but also build a more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful society.
This is a moment for bold and visionary leadership. Sri Lanka has the chance to set an example for the world by showing how climate action can be a catalyst for social transformation and national integration. This is an opportunity to create a peaceful and sustainable future where no one is left behind.
Janani Vivekananda is the Senior Research Fellow on Climate, Peace and Security at the Toda Peace Institute. She is also the Head of Program for Climate Diplomacy and Security at adelphi, a leading independent think tank on climate, environment, and development, and holds a senior fellowship with the UN University. With extensive experience in climate security risk assessments and gender-responsive approaches, she has worked globally to integrate peacebuilding into climate action.
