Intersectional Feminist Analysis of Italy’s National Adaptation Plan: Addressing Gendered Climate Vulnerabilities and Regional Disparities

This paper presents a critical examination of Italy’s National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change (PNACC) through the lens of gender-responsive adaptation and intersectional feminist theory. By highlighting the socio-economic, cultural, and regional disparities that shape climate vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities, the study emphasizes the need for gender-specific adaptation strategies that account for intersecting layers of discrimination and inequality. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), implemented globally to enhance climate resilience, provide a framework for integrating gender considerations into climate strategies. Italy’s PNACC aims to address regional disparities, yet significant differences persist between northern regions such as Emilia-Romagna, characterized by strong economic and infrastructural support, and southern regions like Calabria, which face pronounced socio-economic challenges and environmental vulnerabilities. The study delves into the socio-legal mechanisms underpinning the PNACC’s implementation, assessing the extent to which gender equity is embedded in its provisions. Drawing on intersectional analysis, the research demonstrates how regional imbalances exacerbate women’s exposure to climate risks and limit their adaptive capacities. The focus on participatory governance frameworks, as advocated in feminist political ecology, reveals the potential for community-driven initiatives to redress systemic inequalities and foster resilience. However, gaps in legal enforcement, resource allocation, and policy execution indicate structural barriers that undermine the intended goals of gender-responsive adaptation. A mixed-methods approach is employed, incorporating qualitative policy discourse analysis, legislative review, and quantitative assessments of regional socio-economic indicators. This method enables a comprehensive evaluation of Italy’s alignment with international commitments, such as the UNFCCC’s Gender Action Plan, while identifying key areas for improvement. The findings highlight that legal measures alone are insufficient without context-sensitive, community-based strategies that empower marginalized populations. The research further examines case studies and comparative data to underscore how Italy’s adaptation policies interact with broader socio-economic structures and cultural norms, influencing the lived experiences of women across different regions. Recommendations are proposed to enhance the inclusivity and efficacy of Italy’s gender-responsive adaptation strategies, emphasizing localized solutions, increased legal accountability, and participatory mechanisms that foreground the voices of women and other marginalized groups. By situating Italy’s efforts within global debates on climate justice and gender equity, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on achieving sustainable and equitable climate resilience. It underscores that addressing climate adaptation requires more than top-down legal frameworks; it necessitates intersectional, participatory, and socially grounded approaches that challenge and transform existing power dynamics.