March 8th 2021
Climate Change and Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
Women are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Mainly because women represent the majority of the world’s poor (70%) and are proportionally more dependent on threatened natural resources. The difference between men and women can also be seen in their roles, responsibilities, decision making, access to land and natural resources, opportunities and needs. Globally, women have less access than men to resources such as land, credit, and other factors that would enhance their capacity to adapt to climate change.
Although climate change represents one of the most complex challenge of our time, women are showing remarkable resilience around the world. Women are leading climate action movements, championing clean sources of energy, and building alternative models of community that prioritise sustainability and cooperation.
Evidence shows that women’s empowerment and advancing gender equality can deliver results across a variety of sectors, including food and economic security and health. It can also lead to more environmentally friendly decision making at household and national levels.
The Conservation Foundation will share how our projects support women in communities, but in the meantime learn more about climate change and gender equality:
Climate Action and Gender Equality: Can We Close One Gap Without the Other?
International Women’s Day 2021 – UN & UN Women Present #IWD2021
Image credit: UN Women/Yihui Yuan