Advancing gender equality in Asia and the Pacific in the context of climate change
Gender inequality, coupled with current climate and environment crises, is one of the greatest sustainable development challenges of our time. While the effects of climate change threaten everybody, the most affected are women and children, particularly older women, girls, persons with disabilities, ethnic and gender minorities and those living in rural areas. These people are disproportionally impacted in terms of access to food and nutrition security, clean water and health. This policy paper employs an intersectional approach to understand the risks and challenges that climate change poses for women and other marginalized groups in Asia and the Pacific, which stands as the most disaster-prone region in the world. In doing so the paper, raises awareness of the benefits, advantages and need for gender-responsive climate action and strives to inspire greater climate ambition in Asia and the Pacific. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for a "whole-of-government" approach to mainstreaming gender in climate policies and strategies in the region, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future where no one is left behind.
