Building on the evidence and the momentum, now is the time to accelerate action towards gender equality. The effects of climate change and the corresponding changes in national policies and development strategies will affect economic opportunities for both men and women.

Engaging women is key to development, including climate action. Women’s leadership and empowerment, in conjunction with girls’ education, family planning, reproductive and sexual health and reduced child marriage, can facilitate the transition to low-carbon economies, help improve resource use, and assist in lowering environmental damage and land fragmentation, as well as increase resilience.

The fate of people and the planet are inextricably linked. Investing in people builds their resilience to climate change, equips them to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerates the green transition.

Investing in human capital creates healthy and well-educated populations – education being the greatest predicator of climate-friendly behavior. Strong human capital endowments are often passed across generations and reduce inequality. They provide benefits that empower more people – particularly women – to fully contribute to climate solutions.