What you probably already know: The world is on a current trajectory for a minimum of 1.8°C of heating above pre-industrial levels. These rising temperatures are associated with an increased quantity and strength of natural disasters such as droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and floods. The World Meteorological Organization found that the number of natural disasters have increased fivefold over the last 50 years and are expected to continue to rise as global warming continues. In a new report released Tuesday, Nov. 10, the United Nations (UN) acknowledged that women and girls will be hit the hardest by these changes due to a variety of socioeconomic factors.
Why it matters: According to the UN report, at least 1.5 billion women and girls worldwide live in climate hotspots where climate-related hazards, insecure jobs and gender inequality mix. Data shows that even a 1°C increase in average temperatures is linked to women losing 34% of their total income worldwide, with the most likely issues tied to their inability to switch to non-farm work or migrate when harvests fail. In a worst-case scenario, 141 million additional women and girls could be living in extreme poverty. Climate change also increases the need for unpaid care responsibilities such as collecting water and fuel, and care-taking in the aftermath of a disaster. Of the 1.8 billion people without water, women were the primary water collectors in two-thirds of those households. Extreme drought is also associated with an increase of gender-based violence as prolonged exposure showed a 21% increased risk of sexual violence against women and girls.
What it means: Women and girls are the most vulnerable part of the world population when it comes to the negative effects of climate change, but female representation in related discussions is still lacking. Women hold only 12% of energy portfolios globally and only 4% of climate-focused Official Development Assistance prioritizes gender equality.
What happens now? The UN said that its report does show progress is possible. Women could secure 68 million net new green jobs by 2035 if investments are made accordingly. It also showed that 73% of self-defined government climate plans acknowledge gender-specific climate risks. However, only a third address those issues comprehensively. The United Nations used the report to re-highlight the Belém Gender Action Plan, which was adopted by parties attending the 30th UN Climate Change Conference last year, and call for its full implementation and financing. “Across the world, women are already leading the fight for a better future – in their communities, in laboratories, in parliaments and on the front lines of the climate crisis,” said Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous in a statement. “We must give women and girls equal rights, resources and the power to lead, and they will help drive the change our world so urgently needs.”
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