International Mountain Day

Women move mountains in adapting to climate change

08/12/2022
OnlineSwitzerland

Following the success of International Mountain Day webinars in 2020 and 2021, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Adaptation at Altitude programme are pleased to present another joint event for this year’s International Mountain Day with the theme of: ‘Women move mountains in adapting to climate change’. Climate change is already having significant impacts on mountain ecosystems and their downstream communities, and this is expected to increase as climate change intensifies. 

Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change. In addition to often living in more vulnerable situations than men, they typically depend more on natural resources and often bear the responsibility for securing water, food and fuel which are becoming harder to access in the face of climate change. Nevertheless, women play essential roles in developing climate adaptation solutions. They often have strong knowledge of their local environments and promote sustainable practices both within their households and communities. However, their voices are not always amplified or given adequate weight in decision making. Incorporating women in decision-making is key for climate justice. Parliaments should consider possible solutions to address these gaps in their adaptation planning.