The agency released the findings at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, warning that women and girls in countries least responsible for global warming were experiencing some of the greatest consequences. “The climate crisis threatens planetary life and is deepening the inequalities that leave women and girls most at risk,” UN Women said.
The world is heading towards 1.8°C of warming by 2050 if current trends continue, increasing the risk of droughts, floods, wildfires and cyclones.
Under the worst-case scenario, climate change could push another 141 million women and girls into extreme poverty by mid-century. “Across the world, women are already leading the fight for a better future, in their communities, in laboratories, in parliaments and on the front lines of the climate crisis,” UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said.
“We must give women and girls equal rights, resources and the power to lead.”
Data from 24 countries showed that a 1°C increase in average temperatures could cause women to lose 34% more of total income than men.
The agency linked the difference partly to women having fewer opportunities to move into non-agricultural work or migrate when harvests failed.
Climate change was also increasing unpaid care responsibilities, including collecting water and fuel and caring for relatives following disasters.
Across 14 countries, prolonged extreme drought was associated with 21% higher odds of sexual violence against adolescent girls and young women.
The agency said climate pressures were also placing progress against child marriage at risk. Child marriage rates were higher in arid areas than humid environments in 24 of 46 countries with available data.
About 326 million women and girls remain without electricity as artificial intelligence drives increasing energy demand.
Although 73% of national climate plans recognised risks affecting women and girls, only slightly more than one-third addressed those risks comprehensively.
Women held 12% of energy portfolios, while only 4% of climate-focused official development assistance prioritised gender equality.
The agency called for stronger protection of women environmental defenders and greater participation by women and girls in climate decision-making.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
