The climate crisis doesn’t discriminate, but its consequences hit women harder. That was the central theme at a special conference in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, organized in honor of International Women’s Month. The event examined the intersection of climate change and gender, with experts stressing that women’s roles in environmental solutions are critical—but often overlooked.
Women on the Front Lines of Climate Change
Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures and extreme weather. It’s also about who suffers the most. Studies show that in many regions, women are more vulnerable due to economic inequality, social norms, and caregiving responsibilities. The conference in Tel Aviv sought to shine a light on this reality.
Dr. Dorit Adler, president of the Israeli Forum for Sustainable Nutrition, pointed out that food systems play a major role in both climate change and public health. She argued that ultra-processed foods are harming not just the environment but also human longevity. “We need systemic change, not just band-aid solutions,” she said.
Water scarcity, another pressing issue in Israel and beyond, was a focal point of discussion. Women, particularly in rural communities, are disproportionately affected when access to clean water diminishes. The panelists emphasized that policies must address these disparities.
Israel’s Expertise in Climate Solutions
Israel has long been a leader in water conservation and desert agriculture. These innovations have the potential to be replicated globally, benefiting women in vulnerable regions.
- Drip irrigation systems, pioneered in Israel, could help female farmers in drought-prone areas.
- Wastewater recycling can reduce the burden of water collection, which in many developing countries falls on women.
- Desert agriculture techniques can provide food security in arid regions, empowering female-led farming initiatives.
The conference highlighted how these technologies, if implemented with gender-conscious policies, could create lasting change.
Biodiversity Loss and Gendered Consequences
Another urgent topic was the rapid decline of wildlife in Israel. Over a third of the country’s butterfly populations have vanished in the last 13 years, and bird populations are also plummeting. Biodiversity loss doesn’t just affect ecosystems—it impacts livelihoods, food systems, and cultural practices, many of which are deeply tied to women’s traditional knowledge.
A panel of ecologists and policymakers discussed the need for stronger environmental protections, habitat restoration efforts, and greater investment in sustainable local agriculture. They stressed that these actions must be inclusive, ensuring that women—especially those in rural and Indigenous communities—are part of the decision-making process.
The Path Forward: Policy and Action
Tel Aviv’s conference was more than just a discussion. It aimed to push for tangible policy changes. Among the key takeaways:
- Governments need to integrate gender perspectives into climate policies.
- Funding for women-led climate initiatives should be expanded.
- Education and training programs must equip women with the skills to lead in environmental fields.
“If we leave women out of climate solutions, we fail,” one speaker remarked. The message was clear: climate change is a global crisis, but without gender equity, true solutions remain out of reach.
