At the last UN climate summit, only eight out of 78 world leaders were women. While international delegations at climate negotiations have grown in size, women's representation has stagnated—or even declined.

Despite this, women continue to play a crucial role in grassroots climate action. From organizing local adaptation initiatives to leading environmental campaigns, they are on the frontlines of the crisis. Yet, their contributions are often overlooked, and their voices remain unheard in high-level policymaking.

"Put simply, climate change is sexist," says Helen Pankhurst, senior advisor on gender equality at CARE International UK. "It's a feminist issue that threatens the fundamental rights of women and girls. And yet, those most affected are the least represented in the decisions that could change their future."

Women on the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

Across the world, women bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. In many rural communities, women and girls are primarily responsible for securing water, food, and firewood for their families. When droughts and floods occur, they must work harder and travel farther, increasing their exposure to risks like gender-based violence.

Women and children are also 14 times more likely to die in climate-related disasters than men. Meanwhile, an estimated 80% of people displaced by the impacts of climate change are women and girls.

Despite these challenges, women are not passive victims—they are actively leading solutions.

"They are pulling together their communities, showing leadership in coming up with solutions, demonstrating resilience, and delivering hope for a better future," says Pankhurst.

Women in civil society have also been instrumental in pushing back against policies that harm the environment, often leading grassroots movements against deforestation, pollution, and fossil fuel expansion. Yet, when it comes to global climate governance, their influence remains limited.

Bianca Pitt, co-founder of SHE Changes Climate, a campaign advocating for equal representation in climate negotiations, says that the exclusion of women from decision-making is not only unjust—it is also counterproductive.

"When women suffer, everyone suffers," she says. "It has a knock-on effect on entire communities and economies. If we want better climate policies, we need more women at the table."

Women in Power Means Stronger Climate Policies

The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, climate action is more ambitious and effective.

• A study examining 91 national parliaments found that countries with higher female representation introduced more stringent climate policies and had lower carbon emissions.
• Research from Italy found that women-led governments prioritize waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable energy use.
• In the private sector, companies with a higher percentage of women on their boards are more likely to invest in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce emissions.

Pitt emphasizes that economies where women actively participate in leadership tend to be more resilient, productive, and sustainable.

"The data is undeniable," she says. "When women lead, climate policies are more comprehensive, communities are better protected, and businesses are more environmentally responsible. If we want real progress, we need more women in power."

Breaking the Barriers to Women's Climate Leadership

If women are already leading climate action at the grassroots level, why are they still so underrepresented in global decision-making?

According to Pitt, the problem is systemic. A lack of representation feeds into itself. Without visible female leaders in climate policy, young women are less likely to pursue careers in the field.

"If you don't have women leading, you don't set the example for younger women to follow," she says. "If young girls never see women leading at climate conferences, they assume those spaces aren't meant for them."

The gender bias in leadership remains a significant barrier. Studies suggest that women in leadership roles are often judged more harshly than men, with perceptions of assertiveness and authority often working against them.

Additionally, in many political and corporate spaces, climate negotiations are dominated by men in suits, reinforcing the perception that climate policy is a male-dominated field.

How to Get More Women Into Climate Leadership

Experts agree that waiting for slow, organic progress is not an option. Urgent action is needed to ensure women's voices are heard in climate negotiations.

Pitt and Pankhurst advocate for concrete steps, including:

• Mandatory gender quotas in climate negotiations, ensuring at least 50% of delegates are women.
• Funding for women-led climate initiatives, amplifying their impact on policy and local communities.
• Greater visibility for female climate leaders, inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in climate science, policy, and activism.
• Skills development programs for women, ensuring they have the training and resources needed to participate in high-level climate negotiations.
• Ensuring women in leadership positions are given equal speaking time, so their perspectives shape the discussion rather than being sidelined.