Empowering Women in Climate Change Adaptation and Response

Women are among the most affected when it comes to the impacts of climate change. For this reason, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the United Nations is empowering women to get involved and lead the action towards climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response.

1. Many studies show how women’s involvement is essential to the implementation and planning of climate change actions. (more…)

2. Women from different countries around the world have proven their capabilities to fight climate change, and have shown great resilience to climate change’s effects. (more…)

3. UN Women participates in different global events highlighting women-led climate change responses for the commemoration of International Women’s Day. (more…)

Background Information: What is Climate Change Adaptation?

Full Report:  Why women need to be at the heart of climate action

The Essential Impact Of Women In Climate Change Adaptation And Response

Women around the globe have knowledge and experiences that are crucial in the adaptation and response to climate change, which is why it is important for them to be actively involved in the implementation and planning of climate change actions.

• According to a 2019 study, the climate change policies that effectively reduce carbon emissions and are more precise, are the result of women’s participation in national parliaments. This study emphasizes the fact that women are incredibly capable of making critical decisions for policymakers to address climate change, and should be involved in the process. 

• Based on gender-responsive climate action research, increasing women’s access to productive resources could reduce world hunger by 12 to 17 % because it has the potential to increase agricultural yield by up to 20% – 30%. This would make a huge impact in adapting to food-related climate change effects.

• In order to create an efficient response and adaptation to climate change, we must make significant adjustments in how we evaluate economic value. Alternative economic resource practices that prioritize both sustainability and gender equality will help us adapt to climate change. The United Nations Women’s Feminist Plan outlines innovative approaches and policies that will promote livelihoods, health, and the environment. 

Women-Led Initiatives Towards Climate Change Adaptation And Response

Women from different countries around the world are leading initiatives that strengthen climate change adaptation and response.

• Due to overgrazing, the Páramo ecosystems of Ecuador’s Andes mountains became a desert for a time, making the soil incapable of crop production. While the majority of the indigenous men have left their barren land, many women have remained behind to care for the land. A discussion for sharing ideas on how to care for their land and manage natural resources is held regularly by 86 women from five communities in Azuay province, Ecuador.

• Norah Magero, the CEO and founder of Drop Access, created the VacciBox, a solar-powered portable refrigerator. The purpose of VacciBox is to make it easier to store and deliver medicines and food supplies in areas threatened by climate change effects. This woman-led innovation demonstrates that women are more than capable of driving climate change adaptation and response efforts.

Global Events Highlighting Climate Change Responses To Commemorate International Women’s Day 

In the celebration of International Women’s Day, commemoration events around the world highlight the contributions of women to climate change adaptation and response. The UN Women offices participate in multiple global events, including: 

• Re-Envision Resilience: An online gallery featuring women climate champions from Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

• From Passion to Profit: An African video production showcasing event that highlights gender equality and the link to solutions to climate change.

• An interactive photo exhibit held in Lebanon.

• An award ceremony held In Albania to recognize local women who run eco-friendly enterprises.

• A media workshop in Liberia advocating gender equality and sustainable development.

Sources: 

“Why women need to be at the heart of climate action” UN Women, March 1, 2022. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2022/03/explainer-why-women-need-to-be-at-the-heart-of-climate-action

Women are among the most affected when it comes to the impacts of climate change. Learn more about how women are getting involved and leading the action towards climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response.