The effects of climate change are not even, and women are disproportionately affected in comparison to men.
The reasons for this are numerous and interconnected, spanning the breadth of cultural, economic and social practices, yet the recognition and understanding of them are crucial.
Across the world, many women occupy roles at home and in providing for families. As climate change dries up water supplies, desertification takes hold, and crop cycles shift, women's role concerning these will become more difficult. They will have to travel further for water and firewood and work longer for harvesting food, leading to more young women being pulled out of school to complete daily domestic tasks.
Furthermore, the increase of natural disasters associated with climate change will have greater impacts on women. After natural disasters, the local workforce is flooded by rebuilding efforts which include traditionally "male jobs" like plumbing and construction, making it harder for women to rebound because of limited employment.
However, women are crucial to the mitigation of climate change. A study of 130 countries found that those with higher female parliamentary representation are more likely to sign on to and ratify climate treaties. However, just 24.5% of parliament seats globally are held by women.
Gender equality and climate justice are undeniably intertwined, with both needing urgent action.
Written by Josie Gregory
Artwork by Zara Masood
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