Prioritising gender equality in climate action is essential to effectively address environmental crises. Women are leading environmental and adaptation initiatives, bringing unique perspectives and strengthening the resilience of communities.
Climate change is a global reality that affects all aspects of human life. While all human beings face risks associated with these changes, it is increasingly clear that they do not affect everyone equally. As we highlighted in a recent article, certain social groups, particularly women, often face disproportionate risks due to a complex combination of social, economic and cultural factors.
First, they have limited access to economic and political resources, which reduces their capacity to respond to disasters and environmental crises. In addition, domestic responsibilities, such as caring for children, the elderly and managing household resources, often fall on women. This not only limits their mobility to escape natural disasters, but also increases their burden when resources become scarce.
However, although they bear the brunt of climate impacts, women are not limited to the role of victims. They play an essential role in the search for change and solutions, being at the forefront of climate change adaptation and resilience.
In several communities, they are leading initiatives to develop more environmentally friendly agricultural practices and natural resource management systems, which not only help the community to adapt to climatic conditions but also empower other women.
Gender equality in climate action
Thus, prioritising gender equity in climate action is essential to effectively address the climate crisis. Mainstreaming this approach into climate policies not only promotes social justice, but also strengthens the effectiveness of these policies.
Furthermore, gender equality is directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensuring equal opportunities and women’s participation in climate action contributes to the achievement of several SDGs, such as poverty eradication, quality education and gender equality.
Another important point is to realise that including women in climate policy making can increase the resilience of communities. This is because women bring unique perspectives and local knowledge that are crucial to developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
It is also important to say that empowered women are more likely to implement green practices in their communities, promoting more effective natural resource management. Studies show that when women are involved in resource management, environmental outcomes are significantly better.
Examples of women’s leadership in the fight against climate change:
The Women for Climate initiative brings together women from Portuguese-speaking countries in a global movement, including scientists, entrepreneurs, leaders, activists, educators, mothers, politicians, journalists and influencers. This movement acts in an integrated way and is committed to the progress of communities and the sustainability of the planet. The initiative emphasises the need for a better balance between human rights and climate action, focusing on the implementation of environmentally responsible and socially just development models.
The project reinforces the importance of women’s work as active agents in climate action, especially in the connection between water, energy and food. In the current context of war and climate crisis, women, often guardians and managers of natural resources, play a vital role in the conservation and regeneration of these resources. The covid-19 pandemic and additional crises intensify the need for solidarity, global solutions and a renewed commitment to gender equality.
Another innovative example is an initiative in Chile, where a group of women entrepreneurs launched a green technology start-up that uses artificial intelligence to optimise water use in agriculture. This project not only improves water efficiency, but also provides tech jobs for women, challenging gender norms in the tech sector.
This initiative not only demonstrates the capacity of women to innovate in advanced technological areas but also underlines the importance of green solutions for agriculture. The application of AI enables accurate and efficient irrigation management, reducing water wastage and increasing agricultural productivity. In addition, this approach contributes to conserving water resources and strengthening the resilience of farming communities to climate change.
Finally, we cannot fail to mention the example of Greta Thunberg. For those who don’t know her, she is a Swedish climate activist who has gained global recognition for her actions and powerful speeches on the climate crisis. Greta began her activism in 2018, at the age of 15, when she skipped school to protest in front of the Swedish Parliament, demanding stronger action on climate change. Her movement, known as “Friday for the Future”, has inspired millions of young people around the world.
Greta Thunberg is a good example of how one voice can catalyse a global movement. She also symbolises the crucial role of youth and women in leading movements for environmental and climate justice.
Conclusions:
Prioritising gender equity in climate action is vital to effectively address environmental crises. Integrating this perspective into climate policies promotes social justice and strengthens the effectiveness of these policies.
Finally, a gender-equitable approach to climate action is not only a matter of justice, but an essential strategy to address the challenges, strengthen the role of women and ensure their active participation in environmentally sound policies and practices, which is crucial for a fairer and more environmentally responsible future for all.
Complementary activities
1 – Discover the movement “GenderCC – Women for Climate Justice” – Go to the website and find out how the movement acts and makes a positive impact on the world.
2 – Read the article: Four ways women have brought needed change to the climate movement – published by the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Research, a movement set up by the London School of Economics and Political Science.
