Climate change may force 158.3 million more women, girls into poverty, new UN report says

The United Nations has warned in a new report that if climate change is not taken seriously, it will significantly increase women’s vulnerability to poverty and hunger, undermining hard-won development gains.

The report said: “Globally, by mid-century, under a worst-case climate scenario, climate change may push up to 158.3 million more women and girls into poverty (16 million more than the total number of men and boys).”

It added: “Food insecurity is projected to increase by as much as 236 million more women and girls, compared to 131 million more men and boys.”

“Investments in a comprehensive SDG—Sustainable Development Goals—stimulus package would help to mitigate this effect, reducing the number of women falling into extreme poverty from 158.3 million to 43.3 million. But the impact will still be less than what could be achieved if the world abates climate change now, before it gets exponentially worse.”, the report explained.

“Multi-sectoral plans and efforts to respond to climate change must prioritize women and girls mostat risk. A lot more is also needed in the areas of conservation, disaster preparedness, adaptation and resilience, including expanding women’s access to quality health, education, economic opportunities and information,” the report noted.