Why Women Will Spearhead Global Emission Reduction

Women are increasingly recognised as key players in global efforts to tackle climate change.
According to KPMG, “research indicates women's empowerment and participation in decision-making processes are correlated with enhanced environmental stewardship.”
From boardrooms to government positions, women’s presence in leadership roles is proving to have a measurable impact on reducing carbon emissions.
Women in leadership drive lower emissions
A growing body of evidence highlights the tangible connection between women in management roles and reduced emissions.
For instance, a 1% increase in the share of female managers results in a 0.5% decrease in CO2 emissions. The World Economic Forum also points out that companies with more gender-diverse leadership saw their emissions fall by 5% more than firms led primarily by men after the Paris Agreement.
This link between gender diversity and environmental progress is not limited to the corporate world. In politics, increasing female representation in national parliaments has been associated with more stringent climate policies, leading to further reductions in emissions.
Women’s participation in decision-making processes amplifies the transmission of climate policies, making them more effective.
Women prioritise sustainable practices
Women’s leadership is also linked to increased transparency and governance regarding environmental impact.
Firms led by women tend to have higher ESG scores and are also more likely to invest in renewable energy, contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Women are often seen as more community-focused, bringing qualities like empathy and concern for future generations into their decision-making.
This mindset helps drive better resource management, particularly in natural environments. In countries like Brazil and Colombia, women’s roles in conservation efforts are already making a difference, with policies that protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
“Around the world, women have been rising to the challenge, from grassroots organisations to global businesses – they’ve been making their voices heard," says Sarah Peers, Group Director of Sustainability for Spirax.
“There’s increasingly a recognition that climate change is far from gender neutral,” Sarah continues.
“Women and girls will be disproportionately affected by it.”
Though the supply chain sector is more traditionally male-dominated, women are set to drive real change in tackling Scope 3 emissions.
Women excel in creating transparency and accountability, which is crucial for effective emissions reduction strategies, whilst their focus on stakeholder and supplier engagement fosters greater collaboration in addressing Scope 3 challenges.
Amplifying women's role in climate action
The importance of women's perspectives in environmental stewardship goes beyond corporate and political leadership.
In many regions, women have traditionally been the caretakers of natural resources; from managing forests and farmlands to overseeing marine ecosystems, women’s knowledge of local environments is invaluable.
Women are not only more likely to adopt sustainable land-use practices but also play crucial roles in community-based conservation efforts.
In Indonesia, for example, women have long acted as guardians of biodiversity, drawing on their intimate connection with the land to protect natural resources and promote sustainable practices.
As the world confronts the growing climate crisis, it is clear that empowering women to take on leadership roles is key to creating sustainable solutions.
By increasing their participation in decision-making processes and ensuring their voices are heard, countries can strengthen their approach to reducing emissions and conserving biodiversity for future generations.
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