The climate crisis is not gender neutral.
The consequences of climate change – and the extreme heat and disasters it brings – are devastating for women and girls. The risks of stillbirth and miscarriage increase, while food insecurity leads to malnutrition, threatening maternal and newborn health. Gender-based violence and child marriage increase as well, as livelihoods crumble and stress rises.
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) is a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the crisis. The event, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, will bring together leaders from governments, business and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the defining issue of our time.
Last year was the hottest year on record, making the planet more dangerous for everyone, especially for poor and vulnerable women and girls. New data released by UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre show that almost 40 percent of all disaster displacements involving women and girls took place in countries that are at the highest risk of climate emergencies but are least prepared for them. About a quarter took place in the world’s poorest countries.
If we don’t act, gender equality will become a casualty of the climate crisis. Climate disasters entrench inequality, erode human rights, disrupt family-planning supply chains and upend maternal health services. Displaced women and girls cannot access reproductive healthcare and often lose access to their livelihoods or education.
Failure to act jeopardizes sustainable development by undermining the individual rights and goals set forth at the landmark International Conference on Population and Development three decades ago.
We must invest in climate adaptation measures that empower women and girls and protect them from disasters. Wealthy countries need to support countries most vulnerable to climate change with gender-responsive financial and technical help. And climate research and policies must address the specific needs of women and young people.
AT COP29, UNFPA will host several side events open to all participants. These events will focus on the crucial intersection of climate change, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and demographic change. You can learn more about the side events and register here.
