Empowering Girls and Combating Climate Change: Unleashing the Potential of Education and Gender Equality

Abstract

As the most discriminated-against group in the world, girls face multiple challenges
and discrimination due to their gender, age, poverty, ethnic background, and
disabilities. Climate change disproportionately affects girls and women, yet they
often have the least opportunity to adapt to its impacts due to social and economic
factors. The devastating effects of climate change are expected to worsen in the
coming decades, posing a significant threat to vulnerable communities in
developing countries. Despite the critical role of education in promoting
sustainability and addressing climate change, the education sector's contribution to
climate change responses remains largely overlooked. This paper highlights the
importance of empowering girls through education to combat climate change
effectively and build a sustainable future. It explores how girls' education can
enhance their adaptability, resilience, leadership skills, and decision-making
abilities, ultimately contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation
efforts. Moreover, it calls for a shift in policy and action to recognize girls as key
stakeholders and agents of change in the fight against climate change