Robyn James
Global Director of Gender Equity, The Nature Conservancy
Involving women in climate decisions, from grassroots communities to international levels, leads to more holistic approaches that consider diverse societal and environmental factors, benefitting both communities and the planet.
Globally, whether they choose to or not, women do most of the caregiving and providing. This means that they also understand and interact with nature differently than men.
Gendered caregiving and environmental roles
For example, in coastal areas, women more commonly fish in the mangroves. This may be practical, especially if women need to stay close to shore to look after children. It may also be financial, since in many contexts, men control household finances and can buy the boats and equipment needed to fish at sea.
When it comes to power and decision-making, women remain the minority: less than 28% of environmental ministers1 and less than 25% of the most-cited climate scientists2 are women. This is not because they don’t want to lead. Women are finding ways to gather and lead action on climate and the environment, despite the barriers holding them back.
When it comes to power
and decision-making,
women remain the minority.
Relationship-first approach to conservation
In December 2024, The Nature Conservancy convened over 60 women from across 12 countries in Asia Pacific, Africa and North America who are leading incredible conservation efforts. The gathering created a space to grow, support and resource a movement of women leading conservation and climate action.
Investing in women, investing in our future
Women have much to contribute to addressing climate impacts and environmental degradation, but they cannot do it for free. Less than 0.2% of funding goes to women-led environmental efforts.3 When we invest in connecting women with the tools and support they need to implement climate solutions and conservation projects, we invest in thriving, resilient communities.
The lack of climate crisis progress highlights the need for radically different approaches. With women often absent from environmental and climate decision-making, investing in their expertise and leadership is not just beneficial; it’s essential.
[1] UN Women. 2024. Women political leaders 2024.
[2] Carbon Brief. 2021. Analysis: The lack of diversity in climate-science research.
[3] Global Greengrants Fund. 2014. Our Voices, Our Environment. The state of funding for women’s environmental action.
