Gender Mainstreaming Climate Change

Abstract

Ther e is increasing high-level policy attention at global, regional and national levels to climate change-now widely recognized as one of the world's major challenges with potential devastating long-term consequences if not adequately addressed in a timely manner. Effective responses require a holistic, multi-sectoral approach with focus not only on technical and economic aspects but also on socio-cultural perspectives. Explicit attention to gender equality is also important for effective and sustainable responses to climate change. Climate change reduces agricultural productivity , impacts food security, constrains access to energy and increases natural disasters , and in the long run impacts on the overall security of families, communities and nations. Women and men in rural areas in many parts of the world have varying strategies to sustain livelihoods and access and use natural resources in different ways.