Adaptation, vulnerability and resilience of people to climate change depend upon a range of conditions. These vary from their degree of exposure and dependency upon weather patterns for livelihoods and food security, to varying capacities in adaptation, which are influenced by gender, social status, economic poverty, power, access, and control and ownership over resources in the household, community and society. Mountain peoples are especially vulnerable since climate impacts and changes are predominantly acute in mountainous regions. This is particularly true in the Andes, Africa and Asia. 

Governments have a responsibility to make gender considerations part of the response and UNEP hopes this report will play a part in providing a focus for relevant agencies operating across the spectrum of development and climate assistance to put women at the centre of their strategies.