Intersectionality and Climate Change: A Review of the Literature between 2014 and 2023

Abstract

The last decade was characterized by an intensification of the debate on climate change, both in the public context and in the academic environment. The research on the potential physical impact of climate-related hazards became more sophisticated and methodologically complex. On the other hand, the literature on the societal impact of these processes expanded to incorporate different approaches, including the growing area of intersectionality and climate change studies, with roots in climate adaptation, critical climate justice, feminist literature, indigenous studies, and environmental policy, to name just a few.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the main topics highlighted in the field of intersectionality and climate change during the last ten years to underline the theoretical and methodological contribution of this field to the broader area of climate change research. We carried out a rapid literature review by building a database consisting mainly, but not entirely, of open-access papers published in English between 2014 and 2023. We pointed out the valuable insights provided by intersectionality studies in assessing the multiple facets of human vulnerability to climate change. We also emphasized the diversity of perspectives and the transition from predominantly conceptual approaches to qualitative research aimed to make an impact at the local level. The heterogeneity of approaches is beneficial in understanding the intersectionality and climate change nexus. However, good practice guides and methodological landmarks could support more scholars in incorporating the intersectionality lens in climate change research.