Christiana Figueres Calls for Female Leadership Against Climate Change
The condition of women around the world has significantly improved over the centuries. However, barriers still exist that limit opportunities for women, even in the realm of climate issues.
Climate change does not affect men and women equally. Studies show that women are disproportionately impacted by disasters, forced migrations, poverty, and cultural factors that influence responses to extreme climate events caused by the planet’s changing climate.
Learn more: UN Women has an interactive quiz that highlights some facts about women and climate change.
However, women are also a source of adaptation and mitigation solutions to climate change. In an article published by the International Institute for Environment and Development, Christiana Figueres emphasizes the need to recognize this critical role. She highlights that many women played key roles in formulating international decisions on the subject, such as the Paris Agreement. Women also work at the community level, implementing local solutions.
Thus, creating more opportunities for female participation and better integrating women into the formulation of plans and decision-making processes for tackling climate change is essential for an effective global response.
About the Author
Christiana Figueres is a member of the Global Council of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), serving as Vice Chair. She also previously served as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
(With information from the International Institute for Environment and Development and BBC)
