Climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it’s a social justice emergency. While scientific assessments of climate risks are abundant, the lived realities of vulnerable populations often remain invisible in data. That’s where climate justice research comes in.
From rising sea levels to drought, the impacts of climate change hit hardest in areas already burdened by poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources. In the Global South, particularly across Africa, research rooted in environmental justice is critical for designing inclusive and impactful adaptation strategies.
Why We Need Climate Justice-Oriented Research
Climate change amplifies existing vulnerabilities whether by gender, income level, or geographic marginalization. Climate justice frames these impacts as issues of equity and rights, not just environmental degradation.
To make real progress, researchers must move beyond emissions data and design studies that:
- Map climate impact on livelihoods, health, mobility, and resilience
- Support community-led adaptation efforts
- Guide policy reform and advocacy
- Influence access to climate finance and donor funding
Prove Impact: Global Examples of Climate Justice Research
Bangladesh
Studies in the Sundarbans influenced relocation and housing policies for communities displaced by saltwater intrusion, supported by UNDP.
USA
After Hurricane Katrina and Ida, research exposed racial disparities in recovery, prompting federal policy reforms.
Kenya & Uganda
Climate-smart farming programs focusing on women smallholders improved food security and gender resilience, backed by FAO and Oxfam.
Philippines
Post-typhoon vulnerability mapping enabled inclusive recovery in Leyte and Samar through Red Cross and local government collaboration.
South Africa
Research into energy transitions in Mpumalanga shaped the national Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), with support from the UK and EU.
How Insights and Social Leads Climate Justice Research in Africa
At Insights and Social, we specialize in high-impact, field-based research that connects climate change with social equity. Our work supports NGOs, UN agencies, bilateral donors, and foundations committed to inclusive adaptation and climate resilience.
Our Key Offerings:
| Research Area | What We Deliver |
| Community-Based Research | Co-designed participatory tools to reflect lived experience. |
| Geo-Referenced Surveys | Integrated spatial data to map localized vulnerabilities. |
| Mixed-Method Approach | Blend of FGDs, KIIs, and surveys for robust insights. |
| Thematic Expertise | Focus on gender, youth, migration, food security |
| Policy Influence | Evidence used to shape briefs, donor pitches, and frameworks. |
| Multilingual Field Capacity | Fieldwork conducted in multiple local and international languages, including French, Swahili, Hausa, Yoruba, and others. |
Why NGOs and Donors Trust Insights and Social
Local Evidence, Global Impact
We provide the gender- and location-disaggregated data required by funding platforms like GCF, GEF, and the Adaptation Fund.
Context-Driven Program Design
Our research ensures that programs are socially appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with community realities.
Accountability & Adaptive Learning
Robust M&E frameworks track social and environmental outcomes for improved program refinement.
Data-Driven Advocacy
We translate research into infographics, case studies, and briefs used at global climate forums, donor meetings, and national policy events.
What Sets Our Climate Justice Research Apart
- Deep local field presence
- Community participation from the start
- Bilingual, culturally sensitive researchers
- Actionable data that leads to real-world solutions
The Moment to Act is Now
The climate crisis is a justice crisis. Inclusive, localized research is the key to unlocking sustainable, fair, and resilient responses to environmental change.
Insights and Social is your trusted partner in designing and delivering climate justice research that matters for people, for policy, and for the planet.
Partner with Insights and Social to co-create impactful climate justice research that drives change from the ground up. Let’s talk about how we can support your next adaptation program.
