What do women’s rights have to do with climate change and sustainability? Naturally, as part of a free and fair society, it should be an essential right that everyone has access to high-quality education and voluntary family planning. They produce a wide range of immediate advantages for things like prosperity, health, well-being, and equality. Plus, it is the right thing to do. A bonus knock-on effect is reduced pollution because of slower population growth.
We share this planet with 8 billion or so other people. In the last 100 years, the population has quintupled, yet the planet and its resources are the same. Yes, we can use our limited resources in smarter, more efficient ways to cope with that, but having fewer people consuming stuff makes it easier to manage.
The negative impacts of climate change will also fall harder on women because of gender imbalances in many parts of the world. Advocating for women’s rights is crucial in fighting for climate justice. Highlighting gender inequalities and improving access to education, healthcare, and family planning has a positive impact on reducing emissions and environmental degradation.