International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of gender equality across different spheres of society. One of the less discussed but highly relevant aspects is the relationship between increased female representation in leadership positions and the adoption of more sustainable environmental policies. Several studies show that countries with greater female participation in decision-making tend to have a lower ecological footprint and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Female leadership appears to be linked to greater environmental awareness and a stronger commitment to the planet’s future.
Countries with more women in power implement more sustainable policies
Researchers have analyzed the correlation between women’s political status and the reduction of carbon emissions. A study covering 91 countries concluded that greater female representation in parliaments was one of the strongest predictors of lower carbon dioxide emissions, comparable to factors such as a country’s level of urbanization. Similarly, a 2018 study found that a 10% increase in female parliamentary representation was associated with a reduction of 0.24 metric tons in per capita carbon emissions. Another analysis of data from 72 countries between 1971 and 2012 demonstrated that a one-percentage-point increase in the women’s political empowerment index was linked to a nearly 12% reduction in long-term carbon emissions.
Increased risk, greater sensitivity, and willingness for change
Although studies confirm the connection between female leadership and the adoption of more sustainable policies, the reasons behind this positive impact are not entirely explained. However, strong indicators suggest that women, historically more exposed to environmental challenges, are more concerned with protecting the planet. Throughout history, women’s social roles have been directly linked to the environment – from collecting water and food to subsistence farming. This close relationship with natural resources and their heightened perception of risk make women more sensitive to environmental issues and more likely to lead efforts to address them.
Women and the Impacts of Climate Change
Traditional gender roles have historically exposed women more to the adverse effects of climate change, making them its primary victims:
- Forced displacement: According to UN estimates, 80% of people displaced due to climate change are women. Droughts, floods, cyclones, and wildfires are among the main causes of these displacements.
- Increased gender-based violence: Violence against women and girls intensifies in disaster scenarios. A 2021 study showed that natural disasters lead to higher female mortality rates.
- Exposure to pollution: Air pollution disproportionately affects women and children. In the U.S., coal-fired power plants emit 48 tons of mercury annually, a toxic chemical that can cause severe neurological problems in babies and children. In this country, one in six women has dangerously high levels of mercury in their blood.
- Extreme poverty: Worldwide, women aged 25 to 34 are 25% more likely than men to live in extreme poverty. In economically marginalized countries, the majority of the 1.5 billion people living on less than $1 per day are women.
Promoting Gender Equality Means Securing a Sustainable Future
The fight for gender equality is not just a human rights issue but also a crucial strategy for ensuring a fairer and more sustainable future for generations to come. Beyond being a social imperative, it is also an essential action for environmental preservation. Increasing female representation in political and business leadership strengthens societies’ ability to tackle the environmental challenges of the 21st century. Investing in women’s empowerment and participation is an investment in a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
