Question

To ask the President of COP26, with reference to the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that gender inequality increases as a result of climate-related disasters, if he will meet women most disadvantaged by the effects of climate change.

I have committed to meeting civil society organisations, and young people, in every country I visit. This, of course, means listening to the priorities of women and girls who are experiencing first hand the impacts of climate change and leading the response. The UK Presidency sees women’s rights organisations, amongst others, as essential partners in effectively tackling climate change and that is why we are working closely with such organisations to deliver Gender Day at COP26. Additionally, with Bella Lack and Elizabeth Wathuti, both youth climate activists, I lead regular meetings of a Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council, established in order to hear and act on the expertise, insights and experiences of those most affected by climate change.

Climate change is not gender neutral, and it has a disproportionate impact on women and girls, in particular those from the global south or indigenous communities. Addressing this will require the implementation of gender-responsive climate action and finance, as well as the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all levels of decision making on climate. We know - in line with the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan and the Feminist Action for Climate Justice Action Coalition - that this will help us achieve our long term climate goals.