Representation, consensus and the exclusionary institutionalization of knowledge: a critical look at IPCC and IPBES

Abstract

Climate and biodiversity issues have been mobilizing a body of scientific and institutional environmental knowledge. Both the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), while recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary dialogues and being open to diverse participation - such as with respect to gender - were designed as neutral panels of experts. The configuration of these spaces hinders the representativeness, inclusion, and effective participation of different interests and visions in decision-making spaces. We highlight the importance of questioning this neutrality and discussing power relations that permeate environmental and scientific issues, through the perspectives of Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Political Ecology. The objective is to evaluate the inclusion of gender within the panels, analysing similarities and differences, based on STS Gender Studies and Feminist Political Ecology (FPE). The participation of women is analysed quantitatively and qualitatively in relation to the composition of the panels, their positioning in the hierarchical structures, and specific policies for gender equity. We also look at the unequal relations between members from the Global North and South. The limitations of participation and imposition of consensus, undervaluation and instrumentalization of knowledge, and design limitations of the panels as tools for safeguarding or promoting autonomy are highlighted. We hope to advance the identification of overlaps and complementarities between FPE and STS Gender Studies, highlighting that feminist perspectives enable other problem framings, which overcome the essentialist view of the other and recognizing possibilities beyond techno-scientific determinism.