Nogaard and York argue that countries with higher levels of gender equality tend to have stronger environmental policies and better environmental outcomes. They challenge the assumption that environmental performance is only shaped by economic development or political structures, illustrating the importance that gender dynamics in shaping state level environmentalism. The authors argue that countries with higher levels of women’s political representation and gender equity are more likely to adopt pro-environmental policies, an example being, the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution, which was ratified at the time that 24% of women were made up of the parliament and the prime minister was also a woman (Nogaard 515). The studies suggest women in political positions tend to prioritize environmental issues more than their male counterparts, for instance “the parallel valuing or devaluing of the reproductive labor of women and of the natural environment will likely affect both gender equality and state environmentalism,” (Nogaard 510). This is linked to research showing that women generally express stronger environmental concerns and are more likely to support conservation measures. They critique mainstream explanations that focus solely on wealth or political systems as standards of environmentalism. Instead, they argue that gender equality is a significant and overlooked factor and in conclusion they suggest that promoting gender equality could indirectly lead to stronger environmental policies.
A Call to Action for Gender Equity in Climate Leadership
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10540118/?utm_source
This article highlights that women’s leadership in government correlates with greater environmental protections, more stringent climate policies, and the ratification of environmental treaties. It emphasizes that environmental and climate policies enacted under female leadership are often more effective and promote equality. Women have historically been underrepresented in climate science and governance leadership roles. This lack of representation limits the diversity of perspectives in decision-making proceses, impacting the development of inclusive and effective climate policies. Women, especially in developing countries, are disproportionately affected by the health effects of climate change. Despite being more vulnerable to environmental hazards, their voices are often marginalized in climate discussions.Increasing the representation of women in climate leadership roles leads to more inclusive and effective environmental solutions. Women’s participation brings diverse perspectives and approaches, fostering comprehensive strategies to address climate challenges. Their proposed solutions to the inequality are policy reforms, the increase of women in leadership roles, and inclusive platforms that allow women to be actors in environmental reform.
The impact of Gender Equality on Green Innovation
This study investigates the relationship between gender equality and green innovation across 166 economies from 1996 to 2018. The authors explore how improvements in gender equality can enhance a country’s performance in developing and implementing environmentally friendly technologies and practices.The study finds that improvements in gender equality are positively associated with enhanced green innovation performance. Countries that promote gender equality tend to have higher rates of environmentally friendly technological advancements.The beneficial effect of gender equality on green innovation is more apparent in economies experiencing violent conflicts. This suggests that promoting gender equality is crucial strategy for creating consistent and sustainable development in challenging environments. Similar to Nogaard and York the authors come to the conclusion that there is a need to invest in gender equality to promote environmental wellbeing.
How Gender Equality impacts Conservation
https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/how-gender-equality-impacts-conservation
The World Wildlife Fund article “How Gender Equality Impacts Conservation” discusses the significant connection between gender equality and environmental well-being. Research from the CARE-WWF Alliance indicates that empowering women, particularly by involving them in natural resource management and conservation leadership roles, can lead to reduced environmental degradation. The article highlights that nations with higher levels of gender inequality often experience lower environmental well-being, suggesting a correlation between gender disparities and environmental health. By promoting gender equality and integrating women into conservation efforts, the article suggests that environmental outcomes can be improved.
A direct quote from the article that supports Nogaard and York’s thesis is “In the community institutions supported in phase two of the program, leadership positions filled by a member of a group that faced barriers increased to 87%, up 15% from the baseline. In turn, empowered women and vulnerable groups took action in their communities to adapt to the climate crisis and improve local forest management in ways that also enhanced their livelihoods. Many women went on to lead green enterprises and some were elected as rural municipality officials.” This is evidence of how gender equality in environmental policy results in the development of conservation in this particular case, but also beneficial policy to prevent further environmental degradation.