Overview of linkages between gender and climate change

The degree to which people are affected by climate change impactsis partly a function of their social status, gender, poverty, powerand access to and control over resources. Despite the internationalcommunity’s increasing acknowledgement of the differentialexperiences and skills women and men bring to development andenvironmental sustainability efforts, women still have lesser economic,political and legal clout and are hence less able to cope with—andare more exposed to—the adverse effects of the changing climate.Drawing on women’s experiences, knowledge and skills and supportingtheir empowerment will make climate change responses moreeffective. However, the impacts of gender inequalities and women’srecurrent socio-economic disadvantages continue to be ignored andremain a critical challenge to adaptation efforts. As the world continuesto grapple with what a post-Kyoto climate regime should look like, it iscrucial that mitigation and adaptation efforts integrate gender issues atall levels. This will minimize risks to women and children and ensuregreater success of efforts to address climate change.