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Gender and the Environment

Building Evidence and Policies to Achieve the SDGs

image of Gender and the Environment

Gender equality and environmental goals are mutually reinforcing, with slow progress on environmental actions affecting the achievement of gender equality, and vice versa. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires targeted and coherent actions. However, complementarities and trade-offs between gender equality and environmental sustainability are scarcely documented within the SDG framework. Based on the SDG framework, this report provides an overview of the gender-environment nexus, looking into data and evidence gaps, economic and well-being benefits, and governance and justice aspects. It examines nine environment-related SDGs (2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 15) through a gender-environment lens, using available data, case studies, surveys and other evidence. It shows that women around the world are disproportionately affected by climate change, deforestation, land degradation, desertification, growing water scarcity and inadequate sanitation, with gender inequalities further exacerbated by COVID-19. The report concludes that gender-responsiveness in areas such as land, water, energy and transport management, amongst others, would allow for more sustainable and inclusive economic development, and increased well-being for all. Recognising the multiple dimensions of and interactions between gender equality and the environment, it proposes an integrated policy framework, taking into account both inclusive growth and environmental considerations at local, national and international levels.

English Also available in: French

Women and SDG13 – Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The impact of climate change and large-scale environmental hazards is intensifying and taking a growing toll on economies and livelihoods. The impacts are not gender neutral, and women often bear a greater burden because of their more vulnerable social and economic status and their role in society. At the same time, women can be powerful agents for climate action, both at the grassroots level and as decision-makers in the public and private sectors. Climate strategies and policies, therefore, need to incorporate a gender perspective, and better gender disaggregated data on climate impact and action is needed.

English Also available in: French

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