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 happen in isolation; it affects current social, economic, and political frameworks. In numerous communities, traditional gender roles put women at a disadvantage in terms of accessing resources, education, decision-making authority, and economic opportunities. As climate-related disasters grow in frequency and intensity, these vulnerabilities are amplified, providing women and girls with fewer means to adjust 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 In some cases, girls are withdrawn from school altogether to help manage these increasing domestic responsibilities.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-related displacement intensifies these difficulties. When families have to relocate because of natural disasters, increasing sea levels, or lack of resources, women and girls often encounter greater threats of violence, exploitation, and trafficking. The disruption of social connections and the absence of legal safeguards in temporary shelters or refugee camps make them susceptible and often overlooked in the planning and distribution of aid.
Health is another area where the intersection of gender and climate is becoming more visible. Climate-related events such as heatwaves, natural disasters, and food insecurity have serious implications for maternal health, nutrition, and access to essential healthcare. Pregnant women are more likely to experience complications in extreme heat, while malnutrition during pregnancy and childhood can have long-term developmental consequences. At the same time, women often bear the responsibility of caring for sick family members, especially in communities with limited medical infrastructure.
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.
Climate policy at the national and international levels still too often fails to consider gendered perspectives. Programs designed to mitigate emissions or promote renewable energy may inadvertently exclude women if they don’t address structural inequalities—such as lack of access to land titles, credit, or technical training. Gender-responsive climate strategies are essential to ensure that policies are inclusive, equitable, and effective in reaching the populations most in need.
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.
Private sector involvement also plays a role in shifting the dynamic. Green technologies, clean energy initiatives, and sustainable development projects can be designed to include women as leaders, workers, and beneficiaries. Programs that provide microfinance, vocational training, or entrepreneurship support specifically for women can help close the economic gap exacerbated by climate change.
The growing awareness of the intersection between climate change and gender inequality offers an opportunity for more holistic, inclusive solutions. By recognizing and addressing the different ways that climate impacts men and women, policymakers and advocates can develop strategies that build resilience, protect human rights, and promote gender equity.
The issue of climate change extends beyond the environment, encompassing significant social dimensions. If we do not make a conscious effort to tackle gender imbalances, the consequences of climate change could exacerbate existing inequalities. However, by prioritizing gender equality in climate initiatives, the international community can work towards establishing societies that are just, resilient, and sustainable for everyone.
