Climate Change & Gender Equality: Why Shifting the Balance Matters

The discussion around climate change has increased in recent years. However, most people fail to understand the link between climate change and gender equality. Creating effective and sustainable solutions requires understanding the connection between the two variables.

This article discusses the relationship between climate change and gender equality. Furthermore, it shares why empowering all genders is essential for tackling climate change effectively.

Climate Change and Gender Equality

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a long-term change in the Earth’s temperature. It also means changes in rain, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth’s climate system. 

Also read What is Gender and Climate Change? Understanding the Intersection

What is Gender Equality?

Gender equality implies that all members of society regardless of their gender and sex have equal rights and opportunities without any discrimination.

You might also be interested in Different Types of Gender Equality that You Should Know!

The Relationship Between Climate Change and Gender Equality

Many people fail to understand the relationship between gender equality and climate change. In reality, they both are deeply intertwined. 

Even though climate change affects everyone but marginalized groups, particularly women, face severe consequences. The main reason is that women often have less access to information, resources, and decision-making power.

On the other hand, existing gender inequalities in societies can exacerbate climate change. This is because women and marginalized groups are usually not considered in programs and policies that combat climate change. 

How Climate Change Perpetuates Gender Equality

1. Vulnerability to Climate-Related Disasters

Women in developing countries and rural areas face extreme effects of climate-related disasters.

According to the United Nations, “women are 14 times more likely than men to die during natural disasters”.

This risk is associated with various factors. Such as the role of women in society, their limited or no access to resources, and their role in the decision-making process.

2. Food Security and Livelihoods

Women in rural areas are the primary caregivers. They are responsible for food production and are mostly involved in farming and agriculture-related activities. 

Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and irregular rain patterns damage food production. The dependence of women on subsistence farming (the process of cultivating food for the consumption of farmers’ families) makes them vulnerable, leading to food insecurity, increased poverty, and gender inequality. 

3. Health Risks

Climate change and gender inequality are also visible in the health sector. Climate-related risks make women vulnerable. Higher temperatures leading to heat waves and air pollution are dangerous for women, particularly during pregnancy.

These problems aggravate due to gender inequalities as women are less empowered to make decisions about their lives. Moreover, they have limited access to healthcare services which also worsens their health.

4. Migration and Displacement

Extreme weather events drive migration. People living in affected areas had to flee to save their lives. This process increases the risk factors for women to be subject to violence, exploitation, and limited access to support services. 

Moreover, displacement further intensifies gender inequalities because women lose their homes and social networks. They also lose the possibility to earn money through farming, etc.

5. Access to Education

Climate change increases barriers to girls’ education which fuels gender inequality in society. The occurrence of climate-related events often results in higher dropout rates for girls in schools.

Furthermore, climate change increases economic challenges for families. Hence, girls are often taken out of school to support their families or due to their safety concerns. At the same time, boys don’t face such hurdles. 

6. Decision-Making Power

Decisions related to climate action and environmental management often exclude women’s representation. The imbalance of gender in the process of policymaking results in policies that may not address the specific needs and perspectives of women.

This practice not only perpetuates gender inequality but also hinders effective climate solutions.

How Gender Inequality Exacerbates Climate Change

1. Limited Participation in Leadership

As stated above, under-representation of women in leadership roles and environmental governance leads to programs and policies that don’t target the need of all community members.

The absence of women can result in ineffective and unjust climate policies which can hinder the fight against climate change.

2. Unequal Access to Resources

Women who face gender inequality have limited or no access to resources such as land, capital, and technology. The imbalance in land ownership and agricultural inputs limits their ability to adapt to climate change-related challenges. 

The existing disparities in societies make it difficult for women to adopt sustainable practices, which perpetuates the impact of climate change.

3. Social Norms and Cultural Barriers

Social and cultural norms along with gender role expectations stop women from actively involved in climate action. For instance, different regions restrict women’s mobility. They don’t have access to information and are not allowed to participate in community discussions.

These restrictions and barriers don’t allow women to become active agents of change to address climate issues.

4. Economic Disparities

In many societies, women are involved in lower-paying and informal jobs. Usually, women are the first ones to lose their jobs as industries are affected by climate events. 

Such economic instability has ripple effects. It increases gender-based violence, exacerbates inequalities, and hinders women’s ability to act as an agent of change.

Conclusion

Climate change and gender equality have a complex yet critical connection. As we struggle to combat the escalating impacts of climate change, it is imperative that we focus on gender equality for effective solutions.

Empowering women and marginalized groups can help us to create more inclusive and sustainable solutions. This action requires the collaboration of governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. 

Each and every one of us has a role to play to promote gender equality to address climate change. Through collective efforts, we can build a more equitable world that prioritizes the voices of all genders in the fight against climate change.