Introduction

Effective climate change mitigation, adaptation and community resilience depend on gender equality.

Women and men have different roles and responsibilities in society, and they are affected differently by climate change. Women are more likely to have less access to resources — for example, finances, land, education — than men. They are also more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change than men are.

When women have the same opportunities as men to make decisions and participate in economic activities, they can help to reduce climate change and make their communities more resilient.

Climate action cannot be successful without women’s participation. When women are involved in planning and decision-making, both women and men have opportunities to participate in the new green economy.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• explain the importance of gender-sensitive and sustainable livelihoods.

To do this, you will explore the following topics:

• What is a gender-sensitive approach to livelihoods and why is it important?
•  Examples of climate-resilient livelihood practices

Terminology

Livelihood:  Livelihood is how a person or community makes a living and pays for all the activities and resources that are necessary to meet their basic needs, such as food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare. Livelihoods also contribute to the economic and social development of communities.

Gender-sensitive, climate-responsive livelihood: A gender-sensitive, climate-responsive livelihood is one that is sustainable, resilient, equitable and inclusive in the face of climate change. It empowers both women and men to meet their basic needs and participate fully in society while also protecting the environment.

Climate change:  Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. It may cause less predictable weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts.

Community resilience:  Community resilience is a community’s ability to withstand, recover from and adapt to adversity. It is a community’s capacity to come together and work together to overcome challenges. Resilient communities can:

• anticipate and prepare for hazards and other challenges, and
• absorb and recover from shocks and stresses.

Renewable energy: Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that can be replaced naturally, such as sunlight, wind and water. It is different from energy from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, which can only be used once and then run out.