Investigating the Disproportionate Effects of Climate Change on Marginalized Groups and the Concept of Climate Justice in Policy-Making

This study examines the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups and the role of climate justice in policy making. The research design is quantitative in nature, with a sample population of 150 respondents comprising government officials, NGO workers, and researchers from Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and statistical analysis, including correlation, regression, and T-test, to test the hypotheses. Notably, the outcome reflects that marginalized communities, especially the poor, lack abundant resources, and those living in vulnerable locations, have low socio-economic levels. Integrating climate justice principles into policy-making enhances the effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies. Further, T-test analysis revealed a significant difference in the perceived severity of climate change impacts between government officials and NGO workers, with NGO workers perceiving these impacts as more severe. Such results call attention to the need for inclusive, context-specific policies that prioritize marginalized groups in climate action. The study concludes that incorporating climate justice in the climate policy frameworks would mitigate the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities and improve the effectiveness of climate adaptation policies.