COP27: Why are women more vulnerable to climate change?

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According to the UN, when natural disasters strike, women and children are 14 times more likely to die than men. An example can be seen in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Of the 230,000 people killed, 70% were women. Gender equality is a key theme being discussed by world leaders who have gathered at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, currently taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Dr Anika Molesworth is a farmer and scientist in Australia where she is also the Deputy Chair of Farmers for Climate Action. She told Newsday: “Women are more vulnerable to climate destabilisation due to existing vulnerability and injustice… we obviously need female voices and voices from a whole diversity of groups coming forward with solutions… When we have greater equity, inclusion and opportunities, that’s when we see women able to step up, to speak out and play a much needed role in solving a problem like climate change.” (Picture: World leaders pose for a group photo at the COP27 climate conference, which runs from November 6th to the 18th in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Credit: Sean Gallup / Getty Images.)