Background: Women and Climate Leadership

Background Information:

Climate change is felt differently by individuals around the world, and women and children suffer a disproportionate negative impact in a world where our weather is becoming erratic and resources are stretched. As policies, laws and financial investments are made to mitigate the worst of our climate crisis, women's unique persepctive become vitally important for crafting solutions that will work. Without female representation, a voice at the table, and meaningful opportunities to draft solutions, the solutions themselves will not be as effective and impactful as they need to be.

The United Nations, most national governments, banks and NGOs all know that increasing women's participation in climate leadership is crucial. Making that a reality is more difficult. This is a pressing global issue that requires creative problem solving and immagination.

Questions:

  • How does climate change affect men and women differently?

  • Why are women and children more negatively impacted by changes in climate?

  • If women are not included in decision making about reducing carbon emissions and slowing down the effects of climate change, how does that limit the effectiveness of new policies and programs?

  • Is there data to support that a lack of female representation hampers climate mitigation? (Hint: the answer is YES!).

  • What are some examples of successful programs, policies or initiatives that are ensuring women's voices and meaningful contributions in climate discussions are occuring?

  • Is there a 'one size fits all' model for women's participation, or does regional, socio-economic status, language and cultural considerations play a role in successful climate strategies?

Articles to Check Out:

WECAN: Women's Earth and Climate Action Network: Superb resource that touch on numerous gender issues. Rsources, reports, links to videos and more! (Webpage Link)

Introduction to Women and Climate Change: A good overview from a UN source. (Article Link)

Explainer: Why women need to be at the heart of climate action (Article Link)

How to advance women's leadership in climate action: (Article Link)

Climate Action: by, and for, women (Article Link)

Closing the Gap: A World Bank Resource (Article Link)


Videos:

Gender Responsive Climate Finance: Excellent video on the importance of ensuring women are part of decision making related to climate solutions. Great ideas and examples, including good news and positives steps taken on this issue. (Video Link)

Advancing Women's Leadership: This is a one hour video discussin the importance and step needed to ensure women are invovled in climate discussions. (Video Link)

Addressing the Gender Dimension: Excellent panel discussion, including highlights of the data related to gender and climate. (Video Link) (Video Overview)