UN Women Urges Climate Action That Puts Women at the Centre

According to UN Women, progress on climate action and gender equality must go hand in hand if lasting solutions are to be achieved.

UN Women has called for urgent action to tackle climate change and gender inequality together, warning that environmental challenges are having a growing impact on the safety, health, and livelihoods of women and girls around the world. Marking World Environment Day on 5 June, the organization stressed that climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation are deeply interconnected issues that are reshaping communities and increasing existing inequalities. According to UN Women, progress on climate action and gender equality must go hand in hand if lasting solutions are to be achieved.

Women and girls, particularly those with limited resources, are often among the first to feel the effects of climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, crop failures, and water shortages. These challenges can place additional pressure on families and communities while increasing risks to food security and economic stability.

Climate impacts linked to social and health risks

UN Women's analysis shows that climate shocks are associated with rising rates of child marriage in affected areas. Increasing temperatures have also been linked to greater risks of premature births and stillbirths, highlighting the wider health consequences of environmental change. Indigenous and rural women are especially vulnerable to environmental degradation. Communities in Small Island Developing States and regions affected by desertification often experience some of the most severe impacts. Despite these challenges, women are playing a leading role in responding to environmental threats and building resilience. Across many countries, women farmers are helping strengthen food security by adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices. Women are also leading conservation efforts, protecting ecosystems, and managing natural resources such as land and water.

Women's leadership seen as key to climate solutions

UN Women said 2026 presents an important opportunity for governments and international organizations to turn climate commitments into meaningful action. The agency is calling for women's rights, leadership, and participation to be placed at the centre of environmental decision-making processes. The organization also highlighted the need for greater investment and accountability to ensure women have equal access to resources, finance, land ownership, and leadership opportunities. Addressing gender-based violence, which often increases during environmental and climate-related crises, was identified as another critical priority.

According to UN Women, climate policies become stronger and more effective when women are fully involved in shaping and implementing solutions. The agency emphasized that climate justice cannot be achieved without gender equality and that lasting environmental progress depends on the leadership and participation of women and girls.