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 areas where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood, the effects of climate change on different genders are notably evident. Women constitute a large part of the farming labor force in developing nations, but they frequently do not have legal rights to own land and have restricted access to financial resources, irrigation systems, or advanced agricultural methods. When adverse conditions like droughts, floods, or altered rainfall reduce crop production, women in farming generally encounter more difficulties than men in recovering productivity or finding new revenue sources.
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 In some cases, girls are withdrawn from school altogether to help manage these increasing domestic responsibilities.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.
Despite these vulnerabilities, women are not just passive victims of the climate crisis. Across the globe, they are leading grassroots efforts to protect ecosystems, promote sustainability, and build climate resilience. In Africa, Asia, and Latin America, women-led cooperatives and indigenous groups are restoring forests, conserving water, and developing climate-smart agricultural practices. These local initiatives demonstrate that women’s leadership is essential to effective environmental action—but they often lack the funding, visibility, and policy support needed to scale their impact.
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 put a growing focus on the necessity of incorporating gender factors into climate initiatives. The Paris Agreement specifically urges for gender equality and the empowerment of women in tackling climate issues. Similarly, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has crafted gender action plans to assist nations in creating more inclusive climate strategies. Nonetheless, execution varies widely, and actual advancements rely on the willingness of specific governments and organizations.
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 climate crisis is not only an environmental issue—it is also a deeply social one. Without intentional efforts to address gender disparities, the impacts of climate change risk further entrenching inequality. But by putting gender equity at the center of climate action, the global community has the opportunity to create more just, adaptive, and sustainable societies for all.
