Climate change affects everyone across the world. But it is also true that climate change and food insecurity affects women and girls disproportionately. This is due to a number of reasons. For instance, globally and specifically in marginalised communities women are responsible for acquiring food and fuel for their families. This further emphasises the need for more women working in the field of sustainability.
Here are eight specific reasons why more women are needed.
The ability to accomplish the full scope of population involvement in environmental efforts.
In an ideal situation every single person becomes involved. In order to create just and sustainable solutions, the needs, perspectives, and ideas of both women, as well as men need to be included in climate action.
Globally and historically, women have been found to be the first to warn against climate strains. Since women are often affected by climate changes, they have also acquired traditional skills and knowledge that support natural resource management.
Women are the world’s most powerful natural resources. Empowering women gives access to better, more effective solutions for tackling climate change.
Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural labor force in developing countries. Despite disproportionate opportunities and given the same amount of resources, women were found to produce higher agricultural yields. This is a huge boon for people living in poverty as it better equips them to bear the weight of climate change.
The impact of women is not limited to agrarian communities. In governance, the impact can be seen in the form of more focus on environmental policies by female leaders.
Investing in women and girls has a big impact on their communities. For example, countries with high numbers of female MPs are more likely to ratify international environment treaties.
Women are vital to creating climate resiliency in communities
Communities are better off when women are involved in resilience and capacity building strategies. According to the UN, women share information about community wellbeing that is important for resilience and more willing to adapt to environmental changes due to the impact on their family lives.
Additionally, women are usually the first responders in community responses to natural disasters and leaders in disaster risk reduction. They also contribute to post-disaster recovery by addressing the early recovery needs of their families and helping create stronger communities.
It is well-established that climate change has a greater impact on those sections of the population that are most vulnerable, whether in developed or developing countries. Women commonly face higher risks and greater burdens from the impacts of climate change given their roles within society.
By focusing on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and equity for all, everyone will be able to not only shape a better environment for future generations, but also build a more sustainable world together.
Top Women In Sustainability Worldwide that You Need to Know About
Sunita Narain
Sunita Narain is a well-known environmental policy researcher who has worked on a variety of sustainability initiatives throughout her career. She’s committed to rainwater harvesting and air pollution reduction, among other things.
Tessa Khan
Teesa Khan is an environmental lawyer who works with Urgenda, which takes legal action against international governments to combat climate change. In 2015, she first became aware of the government’s culpability in climate change when her organisation sued Netherland government for failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Miranda Wang
Miranda Wang is the CEO and co-founder of Bio Cellection, a startup that uses unrecyclable plastics to create new materials. Through the use of chemicals, plastics are processed and prevented from landing in landfills.