Gender Day at the Paris Climate Conference

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December 8th was the UNFCC declared Gender Day at the UN Convention on Climate Change in Paris.  Climate change disproportionately affects women, as the poor are most hit by climate change issues such as flooding, droughts and crop failure.  Women make up 70% of the world’s poorest, located in rural areas where they are responsible for securing food and water, as well as energy for heating and cooking. 

The UNFCC highlights programs throughout the world which are contributing to climate action.  Of this year’s 16 winners, 4 were recognized on gender day for their support or leadership by women:

Overall, the message was that women are best able to recognize opportunities for change, as they are on the front lines locally.  But it is not only women in developing countries who can make a difference; we can all make a difference in our local communities, and at least in our own households.  We can try to lower energy consumption, or decrease our food waste.  As Natalie Isaacs, Founder and CEO of 1 Million Women stated: “Climate change is a complex issue, and people shy away from doing something because they don’t know what to do.  Just do one thing, and I promise you, that one thing will lead to another.”   

What will you do to make a difference today? As important as the Paris talks are to give us long-term goals for global climate change, change can start today in your own home.  Be a part of the movement.

Stacey Kimmig