UNFCCC's Five Reasons Why Climate Action Needs Women
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2023, the UN-Bonn based UNFCCC secretariat puts a spotlight on the vital role that women play in tackling climate change. While climate change affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally. Vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by inequity and marginalization linked to gender, ethnicity, low income, and other social and economic factors.
UNFCCC names five compelling reasons why women are essential for climate action:
Reason 1: Climate action requires 100 percent of the population
If we want to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need everyone on board. That means more women and girls need to be empowered and involved in all their diversity, involved at all levels – from climate negotiations to boardrooms to forests and fields, especially in sectors and regions hit hard by the ravages of climate change.
Reason 2: Empowering women means better climate solutions
Empowering women in agriculture can have a positive impact on climate adaptation. By providing appropriate technology and resources, we can promote more sustainable farming and conservation practices. And by reducing poverty, we can help individuals better adapt to the effects of climate change.
Reason 3: Women are key to building climate resilience in communities
When it comes to building climate resilience in communities, involving women is crucial. In fact, the UN reports that communities are more successful in resilience and capacity-building strategies when women are part of the planning process.
Reason 4: Climate change affects us all, but not equally
It is well-established that climate change has a greater impact on the world’s most vulnerable people, whether in developed or developing countries, and exacerbates existing inequalities. Investing in gender equality and women's empowerment has far-reaching benefits, including environmental conservation, poverty reduction, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reason 5: Countries recognize the importance of gender in climate planning
The good news is that women and girls are becoming increasingly empowered to contribute to, and benefit from, climate action.
The Gender Action Plan agreed by governments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) calls for women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in the international climate process and to ensure a prominent role for women in decision-making and in climate action.
Read UNFCCC’s full article here.