There is a direct relationship between gender equality, women’s empowerment and climate change. On the one hand, women are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which could, in turn, exacerbate existing gender disparities. On the other hand, women have unique knowledge and skills that can help make the response to climate change more effective and sustainable. Climate change policies that therefore take account of gender-based vulnerability and the unique contribution that women can make could help advance gender equality and women’s empowerment while fighting climate change.

As the world moves toward the post-Kyoto climate regime, it is essential that climate initiatives at all levels pay particular attention to the interlinkages between gender and climate change and that women are engaged at all levels of the decision-making process.