Environment
More than one-third of the world's women and girls — approximately 1.5 billion people — live in areas highly vulnerable to climate hazards. In these regions,
More than one-third of the world's women and girls — approximately 1.5 billion people — live in areas highly vulnerable to climate hazards. In these regions, natural threats such as hurricanes and droughts are compounded by challenges including insecure employment and gender inequality. A new report released by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality, says the climate crisis is not only threatening lives but also deepening existing inequalities, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden. Women and girls in countries that have contributed the least to climate change are paying the heaviest price for its consequences. Titled Gender Equality in the Age of the Climate Crisis, the report was released during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
The report warns that, if current trends continue, global temperatures could rise by as much as 1.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2050. This would further intensify droughts, floods, wildfires and hurricanes. According to UN Women, under the worst-case climate scenario, an additional 141 million women and girls could be pushed into extreme poverty by the middle of this century. The organization’s Executive Director, Sima Bahous, said women around the world were already at the forefront of the struggle for a better future. She stressed that they must be given equal rights, access to resources and leadership opportunities, adding that women could help lead the world towards the transformation it urgently needs.
Data from 24 countries indicate that a one-degree Celsius increase in average temperatures could reduce women's overall incomes by 34 per cent more than men's. According to the report, one major reason is that when crops fail, women often face greater difficulties than men in finding alternative employment outside agriculture or moving to other areas. Climate change is also increasing women's unpaid domestic and care responsibilities. These include collecting water and fuel and looking after family members in the aftermath of natural disasters. Climate change is further aggravating existing drivers of gender-based violence. Data from 14 countries show that adolescent girls and young women living in areas exposed to prolonged severe drought face a 21 per cent higher risk of sexual violence.
The climate crisis is also undermining efforts to end child marriage. According to the report, 24 of 46 countries have higher rates of child marriage in their dryland areas than in other regions. Meanwhile, although artificial intelligence (AI) technology is driving a continuous rise in energy demand, 326 million women and girls worldwide still lack access to electricity.
According to the report, 73 per cent of countries acknowledge the risks faced by women and girls in their climate action plans. However, only slightly more than one-third have adopted comprehensive measures to address these threats. Women's representation in climate-related decision-making remains extremely limited. Women account for only 12 per cent of personnel in ministries and departments responsible for the energy sector. Women environmental activists who speak out for environmental protection also face risks including harassment, violence and even death. On the occasion of COP31, UN Women has urged world leaders to place gender equality and women's rights at the center of climate action. This includes recognising and guaranteeing the right of every woman and girl to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
