DEI Matters More Than Ever in a Changing Climate

About the Author

Daniela Elizondo Biotechnologist, and Principal Researcher at Earthstar Investments

Imagine trying to solve a puzzle with shifting pieces—this is what addressing climate change feels like: complex, urgent, and requiring creativity at every turn. Addressing climate change requires innovative solutions and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With 3.6 billion people living in vulnerable areas and up to 250,000 additional deaths per year expected between 2030 and 2050, the stakes are immense. As a biotechnologist and a native of Mexico, I've witnessed firsthand how climate change devastates vulnerable communities—incredibly when their voices are overlooked.

It’s no secret that climate change disproportionately affects women, low-income communities, people of color, and Indigenous populations. Growing up in Mexico, I saw how devastating these impacts can be, and the situation has worsened. During the 2022 drought, the government’s interim measure was to ration water in Monterrey, disproportionately affecting low-income neighborhoods with limited access. Many waited hours for government trucks—some went two to three days without water, while others faced shortages for up to six months, relying on purchased water or community tanks. Meanwhile, wealthier areas had quicker access. Extreme weather events have worsened the struggles of vulnerable communities, often excluded from climate decision-making.

To address these disparities, it is vital to strengthen climate strategies by incorporating individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those from communities most affected by climate change, who are often underrepresented. Dr. Skyler Jackson, a social and behavioral sciences expert at Yale University, highlights that traditional research offers a one-dimensional perspective, overlooking the complexities of social challenges. Integrating insights from those directly impacted is crucial for developing comprehensive climate solutions that promote justice, local knowledge, and equitable resource distribution.

My experiences in Mexico highlight the need to integrate perspectives from affected communities for socially just climate strategies. An intersectional approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) provides a nuanced understanding of climate impacts, leading to more resilient and inclusive outcomes.

Addressing and Overcoming Unconscious Bias

Witnessing the stark inequalities in Monterrey’s vulnerable communities during extreme weather events highlighted how often their voices are excluded from climate conversations. This experience deepened my understanding of how unconscious biases can perpetuate these exclusions, hindering our ability to truly address the needs of all communities. These biases can lead to "carbon tunnel vision," where focusing on specific targets, like reducing emissions, overshadows critical issues like social equity. When diversity is treated as separate from environmental sustainability, we risk sidelining the voices needed for inclusive and effective climate solutions.

These unconscious biases shape organizational culture and decision-making processes, often favoring certain working styles or thought processes. This default standard can marginalize diverse perspectives, making it difficult for underrepresented voices to be heard and valued. Even well-intentioned leaders may concentrate too narrowly on immediate solutions, neglecting the broader impacts and long-term consequences, limiting innovative sustainability approaches. When organizations separate DEI from their environmental efforts, they miss the opportunity to integrate both for comprehensive outcomes, exacerbating existing inequalities in climate strategies.

Unaddressed biases and poor commitment to DEI can cause undesired outcomes that are far from helping and negatively affect the organization. This limits the range of ideas and experiences needed for practical climate solutions. Moreover, it can worsen existing social inequalities by making it harder for communities to access new technologies and benefits, increasing the gap between socioeconomic groups. For example, during Monterrey’s 2022 drought, water trucks often arrived during working hours, making it difficult for low-income families—especially women, who usually handle caregiving responsibilities—to access desperately needed water. This well-intentioned solution failed to account for the needs of these communities, inadvertently deepening the inequalities it sought to alleviate.

Similarly, environmental policies like expanded public transport or carbon pricing may unintentionally harm women and low-income families. Transit improvements are usually designed for 9-to-5 work schedules, neglecting families who need transportation for school runs, and carbon pricing can increase the cost of essential goods. This oversight can lead to less effective strategies that fail to meet everyone's needs.

Why diversity matters in innovation

Addressing unconscious biases is essential for fostering innovation. Valuing diverse perspectives leads to more effective climate solutions. Women, for instance, bring fresh insights and drive change. Can you imagine a world without Jane Goodall and Greta Thunberg? I certainly would want to see more women like these pushing for progress. Their influence, from grassroots movements to leadership roles, signifies a shift toward integrating environmental and social responsibility.

Research from McKinsey & Company shows that companies with more women in leadership roles are 39% more likely to outperform their peers, highlighting the value of female leadership in enhancing climate practices and community engagement. Diverse teams drive innovation and rely on inclusive institutions that benefit society. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that diverse teams can boost performance by 59% in innovation and meet 37% more consumer interests.

Women’s experiences with climate challenges provide valuable insights for practical solutions. Their understanding of resource management is crucial for impactful strategies. Leadership teams prioritizing gender and ethnic diversity are better equipped to tackle complex environmental issues, with a 10% increase in ethnic diversity linked to improved climate strategy scores. Embracing diversity fosters innovation and enhances economic productivity through technological upgrading.

Numerous stories highlight the benefits of women's leadership and DEI inclusion in climate action, with Rocío Silva as a standout example. As a Guatemalan biologist and co-founder of Hylos, she has made significant strides in climate and community initiatives. She led a project through the Climate Solutions Lab to improve waste management and resilience in coastal communities.

In Guatemala, where 42.8% of households burn their waste, women bear the brunt of toxic fumes, handling 80% of waste management. The project found that 57% of families still burn waste, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and harming local fishing and tourism industries.

Rocío’s community entrepreneurship model engaged residents in workshops to identify problems and develop solutions, highlighting the vital role of women's groups in addressing climate challenges. With seed capital support, these groups adopted sustainable waste management practices and explored alternative income sources.

In 2023, Rocío was recognized by Forbes as one of Central America’s 100 Most Powerful Women, reflecting her commitment to integrating gender and environmental considerations into climate action. Her achievements inspire us and emphasize the critical need for diverse leadership in tackling pressing environmental challenges.

Reflecting on my experiences and insights from climate leaders like Rocío Silva, it’s clear that embracing diverse perspectives is crucial for climate innovation. Fostering inclusive environments and championing underrepresented voices can accelerate progress. This vital work starts in our workplaces, where we can advocate for change and build a culture that values diverse contributions. By integrating DEI into our climate strategies, we pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future—one where every community has a seat at the table. ??