As the environmental crisis intensifies, its effects are noticeable in every part of the world. Increases in temperature, severe weather events, lack of water, and threats to food supply are altering how people live and operate. Yet, these changes are not equally felt by everyone. Globally, women and girls—particularly in low-income and remote regions—are more heavily impacted by the outcomes of climate change. This growing gap highlights how environmental harm can worsen current gender disparities and impede the advancement towards a fairer future.
Climate change does not occur in a vacuum; it interacts with existing social, economic, and political structures. In many societies, longstanding gender roles place women at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing resources, education, decision-making power, and economic opportunities. As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, these vulnerabilities are magnified, leaving women and girls with fewer tools to adapt and recover.
In regions heavily reliant on agriculture, the gendered impact of the climate crisis is especially pronounced. Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in developing countries, yet they often lack legal ownership of land and have limited access to credit, irrigation, or improved farming technologies. When droughts, floods, or changing rainfall patterns reduce crop yields, female farmers typically face more challenges than their male counterparts in restoring productivity or securing alternative income.
Moreover, as environmental stressors intensify, responsibilities within households often shift—frequently placing more burdens on women and girls. In many communities, they are the primary collectors of water, firewood, and food. As these resources become scarcer due to ecosystem degradation, women must travel longer distances and spend more time on basic survival tasks, reducing the time available for education, paid labor, or political participation. In some cases, girls are withdrawn from school altogether to help manage these increasing domestic responsibilities.
Climate-induced displacement further compounds these challenges. When families are forced to migrate due to natural disasters, rising sea levels, or resource shortages, women and girls often face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. The breakdown of social networks and the lack of legal protections in temporary settlements or refugee camps leave them vulnerable and frequently excluded from relief planning and distribution of aid.
The health sector is another domain where the overlap between gender and climate is increasingly prominent. Events linked to the climate, such as extreme heat, natural calamities, and food insecurity, significantly impact maternal health, nutrition, and access to crucial healthcare services. Expectant mothers face a higher risk of complications during periods of intense heat, while poor nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood can result in long-lasting developmental impacts. Additionally, women frequently shoulder the burden of looking after ill family members, particularly in areas with inadequate medical facilities.
Although they face various challenges, women are not merely passive sufferers of the climate crisis. Worldwide, they are spearheading grassroots initiatives to safeguard ecosystems, encourage sustainability, and enhance climate resilience. In regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, cooperatives led by women and indigenous communities are revitalizing forests, preserving water sources, and adopting climate-adaptive agricultural techniques. These community efforts highlight that women’s leadership is crucial for successful environmental action, yet they frequently lack the necessary funding, visibility, and policy backing to expand their influence.
Policy regarding climate change, both nationally and globally, frequently overlooks gender considerations. Initiatives aimed at reducing emissions or enhancing renewable energy use might unintentionally marginalize women if they do not tackle inherent disparities—such as limited access to property rights, financial resources, or technical education. Climate strategies that integrate gender perspectives are crucial to guarantee that policies include, are fair to, and effectively reach the communities that require them most.
The United Nations has increasingly emphasized the importance of integrating gender considerations into climate action. The Paris Agreement explicitly calls for gender equality and women’s empowerment in addressing climate change. Likewise, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has developed gender action plans to guide countries in making climate policies more inclusive. However, implementation remains uneven, and real progress depends on the political will of individual governments and institutions.
Education and capacity-building are key components of any long-term solution. Empowering girls with access to quality education equips them with the knowledge and tools to participate in climate decision-making, pursue careers in environmental science, and advocate for sustainable practices in their communities. At the same time, involving women in local governance and climate adaptation planning helps ensure that policies address the specific needs of diverse populations.
Participation from the private sector also influences the dynamics. Eco-friendly technologies, renewable energy projects, and initiatives for sustainable development can be structured to involve women as leaders, employees, and recipients. Programs offering small loans, career training, or entrepreneurial support focused on women can aid in narrowing the economic disparities worsened by climate change.
The increasing recognition of the link between climate change and gender inequality provides a chance for comprehensive and inclusive solutions. By understanding and responding to the distinct effects of climate on men and women, policymakers and advocates can craft approaches that enhance resilience, safeguard human rights, and advance gender equality.
The issue of climate change extends beyond the environment, encompassing significant social dimensions. If we do not make a conscious effort to tackle gender imbalances, the consequences of climate change could exacerbate existing inequalities. However, by prioritizing gender equality in climate initiatives, the international community can work towards establishing societies that are just, resilient, and sustainable for everyone.
