Women make up around 51 per cent of the total world population. Women have actively participated in the fight against climate change. It is seen that in times of crisis, women have responded effectively towards a more sustainable environment.
Though the world has modernised, there remains inequality between men and women. The gap must be bridged to involve more women to solve the severe climate change. There are specific reasons why we need to target resources for women climate leaders.
As per studies, women are mostly affected by climate change. It is reported that women felt the economic and health impacts more, compared to men. Women living in the poorest countries are vulnerable. The adverse effects of natural disasters are handled by women too. It is also reported that in unequal-gender societies, women die in disasters more than men. In unequal-gendered communities and the world, gender plays a role in which women are susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change.
Women look after and take care of the members living in the family, so it is quite natural that the women feel the environmental effects while performing their duties such as gathering food, water, wood, fuel, cleaning, etc. If such women are empowered then they will be able to reverse poverty and give appropriate solutions to reduce climate change.
It is seen that women are better leaders than a man in times of crisis. In recent times, it has been seen that many women came out on their own and took steps to join the fight against climate change. This inspires other women too. For example, in Bangladesh, women developed wind and flood-resistant housing foundations for their community. Another example is Nicaragua, where hurricanes are prevalent and are more severe. In Nicaragua, the indigenous women were motivated to create seed banks which are not dependent upon industrialised agriculture. When women are empowered to participate in disaster planning and emergency, women show excellence in unique skill sets.
Women have demonstrated excellent leadership qualities during the pandemic. It is reported that the death rate due to Covid-19 was lower in a female-governed state than in a male-controlled. The presence of women in climate conservation resulted in more transparency, compliance, and sustainability.
Women can organise better, and sometimes it is seen that women started movements related to the environment. Silent Spring, abook by Rachel Carson inspired generations to take action for the earth, which later led to the foundation of Earth Day and the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency. There are many women conservers and earth influencers. Women have taken the initiative for social and environmental movements. A famous example is Wangari Maathai of Kenya, who created 6,000 tree nurseries to block desertification. This act of her empowered women in her community as well. The Great Green Wall initiative is an outcome of Maathai's work.
Studies have shown that the upliftment of women has a lot of benefits for societies. As a result of upliftment, the foundation for a sustainable economy, such as sustainable economy, population stability, education level, and health of children, develops. As per research, the countries where women have high political and social status emit around 12% lower carbon dioxide. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Arden, and her cabinet declared a "Climate Emergency" to make the public sector of the country carbon neutral by 2025.
Women can turn knowledge into actions. Indigenous women have vast knowledge and skill, and over 80% of biodiversity lands are within this person who protected the land for generations. They hold such a close affinity to the land they live on that they consider it unique. Indigenous people know traditional knowledge of ecology and spiritual and philosophical approaches to healing the earth and its climate. All these combined can create a healthy and sustainable environment.
Women can be economically dynamic if employment and leadership opportunities are increased. In developed countries, women are more likely to recycle products and encourage energy efficiency measures.
Women can take more innovative steps if encouraged, and the gender gap is reduced. In short, the world should focus more on equality between men and women so that women can break the shackles of society, work hand in hand, and take an active role in the battle against climate change.
There is a link between gender inequality and climate change, as there is a lack of resources. Despite this lack of resources, female-led initiatives are leading. The Paris Climate Agreement today came into existence due to a group of women who envisioned the idea of 'net zero emissions'.
Some of the leading women in the battle against climate change are:
Christiana Figueres headed the climate-change non-profit for eight years and ultimately took the leadership of the UNFCCC. UNFCCC is the body responsible for international climate change negotiation.
Rhiana Gunn Wright is the one who brought a holistic approach at the national level. It is a group of think tanks that tie up with progressive lawmakers.
Hilda Heine is the head of the Climate Vulnerable Forum. She is committed to making the Marshall Islands carbon-neutral by 2050.
HindouOumarou Ibrahim is an indigenous activist of Chad who has been working relentlessly to bridge the gap. She focuses on the indigenous people's traditional knowledge to make positive climate changes.
Tessa Khan of Thailand has been working on behalf of the women's human rights non-profit.
Rachel Kyte works for sustainability. She played a significant role in the UN Climate Change Summit.
Kate Marvel informs people about climate change in her blogs, tweets, podcasts, etc.
Sunita Narain is an environmental policy researcher who has worked in this field since 1982 and has been awarded for her work.
Ellen Page, Anne Simpson, Greta Thunberg, KotchakornVoraakhom, Miranda Wang, Katharine Wilkinson, Wu Changhua, etc., are other women leaders who took a front seat in the battle against climate change. Policymakers, investors, and philanthropists must understand that women, too, can play a significant role in making a sustainable environment. Women can play an important role in the fight against climate change.
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