Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 9-25-2025

Abstract

The transition to a low-carbon economy is an ethical imperative in the face of the climate crisis, demanding actions that encompass social justice, gender equity, and Indigenous leadership. It is therefore urgent to include young Indigenous women in the design and implementation of sustainable energy solutions, as demonstrated by case studies in the Brazilian Amazon. Despite the central role of Indigenous peoples in environmental protection, international climate finance still overlooks community-based initiatives, allocating less than 1% of global resources directly to these populations. Indigenous women face additional challenges due to gender and technical access barriers. There is a clear need for accessible financial mechanisms under the UNFCCC, international technical training programs focused on carbon literacy (that is, the ability to understand, communicate, and act on issues related to carbon emissions and climate change), and public policies that promote decentralized energy systems managed by Indigenous communities. Recognizing the knowledge of these peoples and the potential of young Indigenous female leaders reveals real pathways toward a just and democratic. To address these challenges, this policy paper outlines three main proposals: improving Indigenous access to international climate finance, expanding carbon literacy training tailored to cultural contexts, and promoting decentralized energy solutions through inclusive public policy.

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