Women and girls are significantly affected by climate change, yet their voices are often absent in environmental media coverage. Research shows they bear the brunt of the crisis and play pivotal roles in ecological advocacy, yet remain underrepresented. Countries with higher female political leadership demonstrate better climate policies, indicating the need for inclusive representation.
Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by climate change, facing severe health risks from environmental disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. As primary providers of food, water, and energy for their families, their livelihoods are at greater jeopardy during times of resource scarcity. Despite these challenges, women remain notably underrepresented in climate reporting, with research indicating only a quarter of quoted sources in climate news from 2017 to 2021 were women.
Studying media coverage in authoritarian regions like Iran, which is highly affected by climate change, reveals that women are seldom included as sources regarding environmental issues. Many women fear reprisal for speaking with journalists, leading to their experiences remaining unacknowledged. For example, there were significant health impacts during Iran’s unprecedented heatwave, yet these were largely overlooked by the media, which instead focused on government responses to the climate crisis.
Moreover, even though women spearhead various environmental initiatives, mainstream media coverage often neglects their contributions. There is a notable disparity between recognition in wealthier nations and that in countries like those in the Global South, where many female environmental leaders operate. Activists such as Niloufar Bayani and Juliet Kabera demonstrate significant efforts in conservation, yet their stories are frequently absent from the dominant narrative in environmental media.
Research indicates that the portrayal of women in climate discourse typically frames them as victims rather than as agents of change. Women in the Global North may be more visible in climate discussions than their counterparts in the Global South. Failure to elevate women’s voices in climate debates results in a significant gap in perspectives that could inform more comprehensive environmental policies.
This article underscores the critical role of women in addressing climate change, highlighting their disproportionate vulnerability and innovative leadership. Yet, the media representation remains skewed, often failing to capture the voices of women most affected. Thus, recognizing and amplifying women’s contributions in climate discussions is essential to crafting effective environmental policies that consider the needs of all stakeholders involved.
Original Source: theconversation.com
