The Climate Crisis, Water and Women

With Professor Mala Rao

5:30 pm — Arrive

6:00 pm — Dr. Mala Rao presents

7:00 pm — Drinks and nibbles

Climate change is the greatest and most complex challenge of our time, but its impacts are not being felt equally. It is the poorest and most marginalised communities around the world who are disproportionately affected although they are least responsible for causing it. Women make up seventy percent of the world’s poor and are bearing the brunt of global warming and climate disasters which are becoming more frequent and more severe.

Climate change affects communities mainly through water — and whether it is too much or too little, gender inequalities which define the lives of women makes them far more vulnerable to these changes in every aspect of their lives. Despite these unequal impacts, they have a crucial role to play as effective change agents in mitigation and adaptation. Recognising their potential as leaders, innovators andcarers is essential for tackling the climate crisis and creating a more sustainable and fairer world.

Mala’s talk will focus on the complex but interrelated issues of climate change, water and women’s health and well being. She hopes that it will generate plenty of discussion and suggestions as to how we could contribute to gender equality as a means to achieving the scale of change required to avert climate catastrophe.