Zonta Advocacy Series: Women and Climate Change

Climate change is a major global crisis. It has a negative impact on people and the environment around the world. All of us will be affected; however, not all of us will be affected in the same way.

The consequences of climate change are severe, especially for poor and vulnerable groups in developing countries. From natural disasters to food security, health, access to clean water and migration, in several parts of the world, our changing climate already has severe implications for women and girls. As families strive to cope with these changes, they may resort to negative coping mechanisms, forcing girls to leave school or marry early. Risk for gender-based violence also increases. Understanding climate change as a human rights issue is central to the fight against climate change, but also to create a sustainable, gender-equal future.

Zonta International and other key stakeholders came together for a conversation about climate change and its unique impacts on women and girls.

Panelists
Alicia Godsberg Assistant Director, Global Programs
UNICEF USA

Mabel Mak, member, Zonta Club of New Territories, Hong Kong
Civil Engineer, Nonprofit Founder and Environmental Activist

Fleur Newman, UNFCCC Gender Focal Point and Focal Point for Women, UN Climate Change Secretariat

Carole Theobald, member, Zonta Club of Perth, Australia
Zonta Says NOW to gender equality and climate action