Introducing Gender and Climate Change: Research, Policy and Action

Abstract

In the context of a potentially global climate crisis, does gender matter? This book sets out to answer this question, drawing together research from across the globe to demonstrate that in areas as diverse as Australia, Canada, Africa, Asia and Europe, there is emerging evidence that gender does matter. It matters because the experiences of women and men during and after times of climate crisis are different – a difference based on cultural norms and practices, on work roles and access to resources, on safety and security and on different levels of vulnerability resulting from a combination of these factors. We are pleased to present this book, a product of our Gender and Climate Change conference held in Prato, Italy, in 2011. This conference was organized and auspiced by the Gender, Leadership and Social Sustainability (GLASS) research unit at Monash University, Australia. The focus of the book is on research, policy and action – what we know, what we need to know, how we might formally respond in order that support for the most vulnerable is forthcoming and that actions taken are transparent and focused on increasing the resilience of all affected by climate change.