International Women ’s Day, 2021Why Green Growth and Climate Action Fall Short Without Addressing Gender Inequality

Credit: GGGIBy Frank Rijsberman, Ingvild Solvang and Bertha Wakisa ChiudzaSEOUL, Republic of Korea, Mar 8 2021 (IPS) As the global effort to address climate change has strengthened over the last few years, so has the realization that rising temperatures and climactic disruptions disproportionately impact women, particularly in developing countries, as they tend to be more dependent upon natural resources and are thus overrepresented in resource-intensive economic sectors. Furthermore, inherent in gender inequality are disadvantages for and discrimination against women in all facets of society, including in the economy and politics. Thus, it is unfortunate, yet perhaps unsurprising, that these structural disparities are mirrored in the negative effects of climate change. Therefore, if gender differences are not incorporated into climate change plans, women will be unable to access the co-benefits that arise from concerted climate action. Thankfully, a rethinking of how to best address the climate crisisto reflect the reality of the situation on the ground has recently taken root. Empowering, educating, and directly engagingwomen has a direct effect on the development and implementation of “environmentally friendly decision making at household and national levels.” Therefore, it is not only beneficial but also essential for any holistic strategy designed to combat climate change to contain a strong component that addresses gender equality. Fortunately, many countries and m...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Climate Change Development & Aid Economy & Trade Education Environment Gender Global Green Economy Headlines Health Human Rights Inequity Labour Natural Resources Poverty & SDGs TerraViva United Nations Women & Climate Chan Source Type: news