Latest news with #EuronewsGreen
Euronews
24-04-2025
- General
- Euronews
Eight Earth Day reads that span the roots of the climate crisis and offer hope for the future
ADVERTISEMENT It has been 55 years since the first Earth Day, an annual event founded following a wave of environmental protest in the US that led to the creation of a federal agency to protect the environment. This history helps explain why Americans are once again taking to the streets on 22 April, as President Trump guts core environmental agencies and rolls back vital protections. At a bewildering moment for the global climate movement, which has celebrated Earth Day since 1990, we need all the historical context and informed visions of the future we can get. Luckily, bookshops have history, hope and the resources to replenish our care for the natural world in rich supply. 'Books are the starting points of action-making and of change-making,' Jessica Gaitán Johannesson, digital campaigns manager at Lighthouse Bookshop in Edinburgh, tells Euronews Green. Related Science, compassion and Catholicism: How Pope Francis helped inspire global climate action Read, think, act: Meet three booksellers guiding people through the climate crisis Climate-conscious bookshops are busy setting people off in productive directions all year round. But Earth Day can still be useful as an awareness-raising mechanism, Jessica says. 'I think an important thing is for individuals and organisations to note it and to actually just for a moment stop and take stock and maybe spend half an hour reading the news articles and understanding why Earth Day is important,' says Amber Harrison, co-owner of FOLDE bookshop in Dorset. 'Even if people just take one tiny step or one action to do something a little bit differently or to explore an idea a little bit differently, then a huge difference could be made. 'Far too often it's just another day marked in the calendar and it needs to be quite seriously recognised, particularly in this time of changing climate.' With that in mind, who better than booksellers to share their top reads this Earth Day. 8. Renaturing by James Canton Mel, from Drake The Bookshop in Stockton-on-Tees , says: 'I really feel that this book is a must-read for anyone saddened by the recent news that almost half the butterfly species in Britain are now in long term decline. Mel, from Drake The Bookshop in Stockton-on-Tees. Drake The Bookshop 'What I really loved about this book is that not only does James reflect on his own rewilding journey as he turns the field behind his cottage into a thriving wildlife haven, but he makes a distinction between ' rewilding ' which is usually reserved for large scale project, and 'renaturing' which is much easier for anyone to achieve on a small scale. 'It is a heartfelt, accessible guide for anyone wanting to make a positive impact in their own local areas - a wildflower window box, a small garden pond - even on the smallest scale, it all counts.' Related Meet the Italian tattoo artist who turned his London backyard into a thriving urban garden 7. Practicing Social Ecology by Eleanor Finley 'We hear a lot about the climate crisis in the news and on social media, but there's never much discussion about what ordinary people can do about it politically,' says Jamie, from Red Lion Books in Colchester . 'Practicing Social Ecology by Eleanor Finley is a fantastically down-to-earth book about how we can build ecological alternatives to the current bureaucratic system. ADVERTISEMENT Jamie, from Red Lion Books in Colchester. Red Lion Books ' Citizens' assemblies , social revolutions, study groups, and local permaculture projects are explained and explored, with examples of successful ecological movements from around the world. 'This is a book about grassroots democracy, offering practical tools to help build a better, more ecologically just future for humanity and the natural world.' 6. Ways of Being by James Bridle Chris, co-owner of Hold Fast Bookshop in Leeds , recommends Ways of Being by James Brindle. 'This book is a thought-provoking look at how humans have forgotten, or not yet come to fully appreciate, the wisdom of natural forces on display in the environment around us, whilst already causing the extinction of many plants and species. Chris, co-owner of Hold Fast Bookshop in Leeds. Hold Fast Bookshop 'It is illustrated with insights into how animals with 'more than human' intelligence often outsmart the best computers and artificial intelligence in survival and navigation, and how we could adapt our use of technology to work with nature rather than against it. From predicting volcanic activity to anticipating predators, we humans are often one step behind. ADVERTISEMENT 'Bridle wisely suggests 'if we are prepared to treat understanding as a process and a negotiation, rather than as a route to mastery and dominance, there is much we can learn from the wisdom of others.' I found this book a humbling and hopeful read.' Related New year, new reads: Here are my favourite climate-related books from 2024 5. The Memory We Could Be by Daniel Macmillen Voskoboynik Jess from Lighthouse Bookshop in Edinburgh always has The Memory We Could Be by Daniel Macmillen Voskoboynik close by. 'In order to create a different future, we need to be honest about the past,' she says. 'Histories are narratives constructed by those in power, and so in order to build new ones, we must address the hundreds of years of colonialism , imperial oppression and extraction that lay the foundation for the climate and environmental collapse we see today. 'For the majority of the world, it is nothing new. Voskoboynik's book is a thoroughly courageous, generous and kind call to feel all of it - the sorrow, the fear, the power and connection - and to unite in choosing a different path with everything we have. I've held it close for years now and will continue to do so.' ADVERTISEMENT 4. Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake 'In this age of continuous bad news, bombardment of climate crisis news, micro (and macro!) plastic pollution , and people in general not being in contact with nature, it is more important than ever to be aware of our natural surroundings,' says Manuel, from Read on Sea, in Leigh On Sea . Manuel, from Read on Sea, in Leigh On Sea. Read on Sea 'Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake offers a timely and awe-inspiring exploration of the natural world. Sheldrake's book delves into the fascinating world of fungi , showing how these organisms form essential networks that sustain life on Earth. By understanding the intricate web of life that fungi support, we gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile ecosystems we depend on. 'Entangled Life serves as a powerful reminder of natural interconnections, urging us to rethink our relationship with nature. On Earth Day, this book is a call to action, encouraging readers to not only reflect on our planet's challenges but also to renew our commitment to healing and preserving the natural world.' 3. Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility, edited by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua 'With the changing climate making the news headlines for all the wrong reasons - floods, wildfires, storms and biodiversity loss - you could be forgiven for thinking there's not much to be hopeful about. Not Too Late aims to change that mindset,' says Amber, co-owner of FOLDE bookshop in Dorset . ADVERTISEMENT Amber, co-owner of FOLDE bookshop in Dorset. FOLDE bookshop 'This anthology of short essays and conversations spans science, Indigenous systems approaches, climate coloniality and climate victories. It's written by those who've experienced first-hand the impacts of changing conditions, as well as poets, scientists, lawyers and activists, with the contributors sharing lived experiences and ways to try and make sense of our current position. 'Rather than being a book that just looks to the past, it also looks to our future, including speculative fiction for the world we hope for. And that's what this book tries to convey - that hope delivers more when we work together, and that we're 'not too late'.' Related Fish door bells, plastic-eating fungi and tree hugging: Positive environmental stories from 2025 Inactivity kills millions, but movement is the 'miracle pill' that could save people and planet 2. One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jenni Desmond Nicci, of Happy Reading Children's Bookshop in Broadstairs , sets the scene for her pick: 'It's almost Earth Day, and two sisters are gazing out at the night sky from their bedroom in Greenwich. What does Earth look like at this exact moment, all around the globe? They open the window and take flight to find out. Nicci, bookseller at Happy Reading Children's Bookshop in Broadstairs. Happy Reading 'Today's children are increasingly, deeply aware of endangered animals, plastic pollution, and the importance of looking after our planet. Thankfully, children's books are leading the way in raising awareness… like 'One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth', which is engaging, inclusive, and gloriously illustrated. ADVERTISEMENT 'Nicola Davies is a go-to for nature writing with heart, always centring animals, empathy, and the mindset of young readers. This first-time collaboration with illustrator Jenni Desmond is a winning one. If your library doesn't yet have books about caring for our planet, this stunning picture book on Earth Day is the perfect place to start.' 1. The History Trees by Colin Selter 'While it's an unusual pick, The History Trees is a timely reminder of the resilience and joy of nature,' says Anna, from Simply Books in Manchester . Anna, from Simply Books in Manchester. Simply Books 'Following remarkable trees from around the world, many of which have borne witness to huge historical milestones, to those that have become a part of history themselves. 'The History Trees is the perfect read for anyone who needs to be reminded why we should protect our planet.' ADVERTISEMENT
Euronews
08-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
World surpasses 40% clean electricity with Europe leading as a 'solar superpower'
ADVERTISEMENT The world generated more than 40 per cent of its electricity from low-carbon sources last year, according to new analysis from clean energy think tank Ember. That's a record not broken since the 1940s, when the global electricity system was 50 times smaller than it is today, and hydropower did the heavy lifting. Now, it's solar energy that is soaring in a targeted race to build an entirely clean electricity system. Global solar generation has become large enough to power all of India, Ember's latest Global Electricity Review finds. Power sector emissions also reached an all-time high last year, however, at 14.6 billion tonnes of CO2. This was mainly driven by a need for cooling technology during heatwaves, as 2024 turned into the hottest year on record - underscoring the urgency of the energy transition. Related Eight countries in Europe use renewables for more than half of their heating and cooling needs The EU is well ahead of the global average, having generated 71 per cent of its electricity from clean sources in 2024, which include nuclear. 'Europe has cemented a global leadership in clean power,' Dr Beatrice Petrovich, senior analyst at Ember tells Euronews Green. Furthermore, 'it is showing the world how to have an increasing share of renewables in the mix', with nearly half (47 per cent) from solar, wind and hydro last year. 'Solar is not one country's story' Solar generation in the EU almost doubled in the three years to 2024 to account for 11 per cent of electricity, surpassing coal for the first time. Seven member states rank among the top 15 countries with the highest shares of solar generation worldwide. In short, Petrovich says, 'the EU is a solar superpower.' The EU accounted for 11% of the global increase in solar generation in 2024. Ember There are national achievements to spotlight. In absolute terms, Germany generated 71 TWh of solar last year, coming in sixth place globally, with all countries dwarfed by China's 834 TWh output. Hungary has the world's highest share of solar in its electricity mix, at 25 per cent. This was due to a generous incentive scheme for residential solar that boosted capacity, Petrovich explains. It's over now, but the panels will keep doing their job for decades. Spain , meanwhile, gets the prize for Europe's biggest increase in solar generation last year. Its 10 TWh surge is again eclipsed by China's 250 TWh. China was responsible for more than half of the global change in generation - an astonishing 53 per cent - in 2024. But, in Europe at least, 'solar is not one country's story,' Petrovich emphasises. 'Widespread growth really says something about how flexible this technology is, how scalable this technology is,' she says. 'There is a kind of a solar story in every country now.' Even with less optimal weather conditions compared to 2023, an increase in panels - including on rooftops - led to more electricity being generated. There is no slow down in the growth of the EU's solar capacity yet, despite the high penetration rate. Related Major milestone for EU energy revolution as solar power overtakes coal for the first time California, a blueprint for the EU? Now it's time for Europe to show the world how to bring clean power to the next level, says Petrovich. That means having even more solar and wind in the mix and the flexibility to make the most of them. This means a portfolio of solutions, including batteries for energy storage, smart electrification of transport, buildings and industry, and an enhanced grid to shift electricity around regions. 'We have the world's largest grid. Now we need to make it smarter,' Petrovich says, partly by removing barriers. ADVERTISEMENT Solutions that reward people for switching their consumption to times when renewables are plentiful could also help - for example, price incentives that encourage drivers to charge their EVs during the day instead of the night. Fossil generation provided 29% of the EU's electricity, half of the global average of 59%. Ember The necessary technology already exists, Petrovich adds, and one place that provides a blueprint is California . Last year, the US state's combination of solar and batteries meant that a fifth of its peak electricity demand in the evening was met by batteries charged around midday. Just three years ago that number was only two per cent - which is currently the situation for some key markets in Europe getting into big battery technology, such as Ireland. ''Maybe California offers a sneak preview of what we are going to see in Europe in three years' time,' she suggests. ADVERTISEMENT Related Fish door bells, plastic-eating fungi and tree hugging: Positive environmental stories from 2025 Clean power is up to global challenges, from AI to Russia There are many uncertainties about what the future holds and how the energy story will unfold in 2025. Emerging technologies such as AI, data centres , electric vehicles and heat pumps are already contributing to the rise in global demand, the report flags. The former two are particularly 'unknown', but Ember foresees that clean power growth is fast enough to support the rate of increasing electricity demand. Heatwaves were the main driver of the small rise in fossil fuel power last year and are likely to increase as the climate crisis deepens. But that doesn't have to mean a catch-22 fall back on fossil fuels. ADVERTISEMENT 'Every country is in a position to match increased demand with clean electricity,' Petrovich says. A few ingredients make that easier, she adds, such as efficient appliances for cooling. Europe learned a 'hard lesson' about energy security after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and has been ramping up renewables since. 'Now the situation is more tense with Russia, I think those concerns about security are really more material than they used to be and renewables are seen as this defence strategy,' says Petrovich. Central-Eastern European countries are the ones to watch in terms of solar and batteries. ADVERTISEMENT Petrovich also says she is looking forward to seeing wind - which generated 18 per cent of EU electricity - accelerate this year thanks to faster permitting and, hopefully, more favourable conditions.
Euronews
07-04-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Meet the teen duo that won this year's Earth Prize Europe with their groundbreaking clean water tech
ADVERTISEMENT Two teenagers have been named as the European winners of The Earth Prize 2025 for their groundbreaking innovation that promises safer drinking water for all. 18-year-old Tomáš Čermák from Czechia and 19-year-old Anna Podmanická from Slovakia developed a unique filtration device they call PURA. They are the first from either Czechia or Slovakia to win the Earth Prize. 'I couldn't believe it,' Tomáš tells Euronews Green. 'I'm still processing that out of all those thousands of proposals, ours was picked as the best in Europe.' Since 2021, The Earth Prize has been empowering the next generation with the tools they need to make a difference. As well as funding of $100,000 (€90,600) to scale up their project, winners also receive one-to-one mentoring and learning resources. How does the winning clean drinking water innovation work? Tomáš had been working extensively with cold plasma (AC corona) to destroy pollutants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria . Anna was researching water purification through photocatalysis - using light energy to fuel a chemical reaction. By bringing these two specialisms together, they were able to create PURA. PURA uses a unique combination of plasma and light energy to remove contaminants from water. The Earth Foundation Plasma is already proven to be effective in water purification. When it interacts with water, plasma generates various small reactions that combine to break down organic pollutants and effectively inactivate bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Photocatalysis also has potential for purification. Using light energy like sunlight, reactions are stimulated that break down harmful organic pollutants and damage the cell walls of microorganisms like bacteria. Anna and Tomáš are the first to bring these two schools of research together into one product. Their prototypes are proving effective at purifying water on a small, household scale. With the help of the Earth Prize, the team is working to develop a much larger prototype, capable of filtering more water. How polluted is Europe's drinking water? The European Environment Agency reported last year that less than 40 per cent of Europe's groundwaters are currently healthy. One in four groundwater bodies are chemically contaminated, despite providing two-thirds of Europe's drinking water. Among the pollutants are some long-lived heavy metals like mercury, as well as so-called 'forever chemicals' collectively known as PFAS, and various pharmaceuticals . While most water treatment plants are capable of filtering out heavy metals, they are ineffective at removing drugs and 'forever chemicals'. Perhaps the most worrying persistent pollutants are antibiotics. Sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and quinolones have all been detected in European drinking water. Resistant bacteria enter wastewater systems through discharge from pharmaceutical companies, healthcare facilities, and even human waste. Hospital wastewater is also a significant source of antibiotic contamination. ADVERTISEMENT In aquatic ecosystems, antibiotic residues cause the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes by selectively favouring the bacteria that survive. As they reproduce, they spread these genes to other bacteria, leading to the emergence of 'superbugs' that antibiotics struggle to tackle. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are designed to remove larger particles, pathogens, and organic matter, but they are not designed to target and remove antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050, and is considered one of the most pressing challenges facing global healthcare. Related Rivers polluted with antibiotics could cause the 'next pandemic', warn scientists European rivers and lakes are chemically polluted, water security in danger Water pollution: How the EU is working to restore our rivers, lakes and seas What's next for the water purifying invention? As the European winners of the Earth Prize, Tomáš and Anna will receive $12,500 (€11,332) to scale up their idea into a larger prototype. ADVERTISEMENT 'At the moment, we're able to process milliliters and litres of water,' Tomáš explains. 'We want to get to the stage where we can handle dozens of litres.' Ultimately, the goal is to scale the technology so it can be used in wastewater treatment plants, tackling pollution at its source. The young scientists will be put forward for a chance at the global prize. The Earth Foundation While that's going to take time, the next big event for the young scientists will come later this month, when the global winners of The Earth Prize are announced. Timed to coincide with Earth Day , the big reveal will come on 22 April. 'My hopes are high,' says Tomáš of the international competition. 'I'm trying to mobilise everyone and to really communicate and explain our solution. It's not an easy concept to explain in simple terms, but I want to continue to convey the idea. ADVERTISEMENT 'I'm very hopeful. I think we can do this.' Public voting for the global winner opened yesterday, Sunday 13 April, and closes on 22 April. Cast your vote for the most innovative idea at The Earth Prize website.
Euronews
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Why women should be leading climate action, according to the experts
Only eight out of 78 world leaders at the last climate summit were women. How can we fix that? ADVERTISEMENT The climate crisis doesn't affect everyone equally - women and girls bear the brunt of the suffering, largely because they make up the majority of the world's poor. In rural areas, it is women and girls often responsible for securing water, food, and firewood for their families. During drought and floods, women are forced to work harder and walk further. As climate change exacerbates conflicts, inequalities and vulnerabilities, women also face increased risks of gender-based violence. When extreme weather hits, women and children are 14 times more likely to die than men, and an estimated four out of five people displaced by the impacts of climate change are women and girls. 'Put simply: climate change is sexist,' Helen Pankhurst, senior advisor on gender equality at CARE International UK tells Euronews Green. 'It's a feminist issue which threatens the fundamental rights of women and girls.' Despite the labour burden climate changes places on women, they are on the ground 'leading the charge when it comes to grassroots campaigning and inspiring change,' according to Pankhurst. 'They're pulling together their communities and showing leadership in coming up with solutions, demonstrating resilience and delivering hope for a better future,' she says. 'They are also leading in civil society, fighting back against policies which are doing irreparable harm. There is a groundswell of women standing up and saying things must change; they're just not in seats of political power.' Only eight out of 78 world leaders at the last climate summit were women 'It is deeply frustrating that the women and girls whose lives are so disproportionately affected are not being heard on the global stage,' says Pankhurst. 'Climate and gender justice go hand in hand; you can't have one without the other.' Only eight out of 78 world leaders who participated in the most recent COP29 were women. Although delegations at the UN climate conference are consistently increasing in numbers, women's representation has stagnated and even decreased. Bianca Pitt, co-founder of SHE Changes Climate, a campaign to get women equally represented at international climate negotiations and beyond, tells Euronews why it is vital women be included in climate talks and negotiations. 'When women suffer, everyone suffers,' she says. 'It has a knock-on effect.' If women - ideally from economically marginalised backgrounds - aren't included in decision making about climate change, then women's lived experiences and perspectives aren't being heard. 'If we only have a select group of people making decisions, the decisions will be incomplete - they won't have the desired outcome,' she adds. 'The majority of decisions are made by men for men and women. That creates a blind spot because we can only make decisions based on our own lived experience in the peer group we are in.' Women in power leads to stronger climate policies, studies show Pitt said it isn't 'fair' that women aren't included in the most important discussions being had about our planet, but it isn't just about fairness – it's about what is going to produce the best outcomes. When decision-making processes incorporate the perspectives of men and women, solutions are more comprehensive and robust. ADVERTISEMENT One study on gender and climate change found that female representation in national parliaments across 91 countries correlated with more stringent climate change policies and lower carbon emissions. Another Italian study found that women leaders prioritise proper waste management, decreasing the misuse of water, energy and resources. In the private sector, research shows that companies with a bigger share of women on their boards are more likely to improve energy efficiency, reduce firms' overall environmental impact and invest in renewable energy. Women-led firms make more efforts to curb emissions and have better results for environmental, social and governance indicators. ADVERTISEMENT 'Research shows the economies in which women participate are more resilient – they're stronger, more productive, and have better outcomes for everyone,' Pitt says. It's the same for nations and businesses for whom women lead on climate change, she says. When women are involved in making decisions on climate change, policies are more likely to succeed. Why aren't more women leading on climate change? 'We know that women are leading on climate change at a grassroots level and within civil society; we see it at CARE International through our programmes all over the world,' Pankhurst says. 'Women are leading the climate response in their homes and communities, coming up with innovative and sustainable solutions like leading agriculture cooperatives, encouraging their communities to plant drought-resistant crops, and creating early warning systems that save the lives and livelihoods of women who don't have access to traditional media.' ADVERTISEMENT If the evidence so starkly shows the need for women leading on climate change, then why are women still underrepresented as climate change leaders in politics? 'There's definitely a gender bias,' says Pitt. 'It's real and strong.' Perhaps there is a lurking, unconscious gender bias that distrusts women leaders or thinks they don't display the authority or assertiveness of men, as explored by the BBC when Kamala Harris became the first woman vice president of the United States. And according to Pitt, lack of female representation about climate on the national level is in part due to lack of representation. ADVERTISEMENT 'If you don't have women leading, you don't set the example for younger women to take that career,' she says. 'If you don't see women leading these conferences, young girls won't be inspired - they'll think it is just men in grey suits.' How can more women reach climate leadership positions? Public bodies, businesses, and governments are starting to realise the unconscious biases toward women in the climate change sector, but there isn't time to wait around for a slow, organic change, the experts argue. 'Organic growth [of women leading on climate change] is not delivering the results,' Pitt says. '50 per cent of delegations of climate negotiations have to be women as per the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan.' Pitt also urges that women be 'skilled up' to join negotiations, and be given ample amount of speaking time. ADVERTISEMENT 'If a woman chairs something, the remaining women in the room are more likely to speak up,' she says. By 'shining a light' on the women already leading in this space, younger girls will be inspired to follow - they will see it's possible to lead.' Likewise, Pankhurst - who, yes, is the great-granddaughter of British suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst - wants to see 'more room made at the table for women and girls to speak into this crisis.' 'We need to fund women-led organisations working in this space; supporting them to thrive and make a real difference at a political level locally, nationally and globally,' she says. ADVERTISEMENT And, this International Women's Day (8 March), there's no time to maintain the status quo. 'We don't have time to waste - climate change is here, now. It's not some far off threat,' she adds. 'We don't have the luxury of time.'
Euronews
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
‘Sex-for-fish': Rural Zambian women forced into coercive deals as drought and aid cuts bite
By Lauren Crosby Medlicott Only eight out of 78 world leaders at the last climate summit were women. How can we fix that? ADVERTISEMENT The climate crisis doesn't affect everyone equally - women and girls bear the brunt of the suffering, largely because they make up the majority of the world's poor. In rural areas, it is women and girls often responsible for securing water, food, and firewood for their families. During drought and floods, women are forced to work harder and walk further. As climate change exacerbates conflicts, inequalities and vulnerabilities, women also face increased risks of gender-based violence. When extreme weather hits, women and children are 14 times more likely to die than men, and an estimated four out of five people displaced by the impacts of climate change are women and girls. 'Put simply: climate change is sexist,' Helen Pankhurst, senior advisor on gender equality at CARE International UK tells Euronews Green. 'It's a feminist issue which threatens the fundamental rights of women and girls.' Helen Pankhurst speaks at a march and rally in London in 2018 to celebrate International Women's Day and 100 years since the first women in the UK gained the right to vote. Guy Bell Despite the labour burden climate changes places on women, they are on the ground 'leading the charge when it comes to grassroots campaigning and inspiring change,' according to Pankhurst. 'They're pulling together their communities and showing leadership in coming up with solutions, demonstrating resilience and delivering hope for a better future,' she says. 'They are also leading in civil society, fighting back against policies which are doing irreparable harm. There is a groundswell of women standing up and saying things must change; they're just not in seats of political power.' Only eight out of 78 world leaders at the last climate summit were women 'It is deeply frustrating that the women and girls whose lives are so disproportionately affected are not being heard on the global stage,' says Pankhurst. 'Climate and gender justice go hand in hand; you can't have one without the other.' Only eight out of 78 world leaders who participated in the most recent COP29 were women. Although delegations at the UN climate conference are consistently increasing in numbers, women's representation has stagnated and even decreased. Bianca Pitt, co-founder of SHE Changes Climate, a campaign to get women equally represented at international climate negotiations and beyond, tells Euronews why it is vital women be included in climate talks and negotiations. 'When women suffer, everyone suffers,' she says. 'It has a knock-on effect.' Bianca Pitt, co-founder of SHE Changes Climate, a campaign to get women equally represented at international climate negotiations. Bianca Bitt If women - ideally from economically marginalised backgrounds - aren't included in decision making about climate change, then women's lived experiences and perspectives aren't being heard. 'If we only have a select group of people making decisions, the decisions will be incomplete - they won't have the desired outcome,' she adds. 'The majority of decisions are made by men for men and women. That creates a blind spot because we can only make decisions based on our own lived experience in the peer group we are in.' Women in power leads to stronger climate policies, studies show Pitt said it isn't 'fair' that women aren't included in the most important discussions being had about our planet, but it isn't just about fairness – it's about what is going to produce the best outcomes. When decision-making processes incorporate the perspectives of men and women, solutions are more comprehensive and robust. ADVERTISEMENT One study on gender and climate change found that female representation in national parliaments across 91 countries correlated with more stringent climate change policies and lower carbon emissions. Another Italian study found that women leaders prioritise proper waste management, decreasing the misuse of water, energy and resources. In the private sector, research shows that companies with a bigger share of women on their boards are more likely to improve energy efficiency, reduce firms' overall environmental impact and invest in renewable energy. Women-led firms make more efforts to curb emissions and have better results for environmental, social and governance indicators. ADVERTISEMENT 'Research shows the economies in which women participate are more resilient – they're stronger, more productive, and have better outcomes for everyone,' Pitt says. It's the same for nations and businesses for whom women lead on climate change, she says. When women are involved in making decisions on climate change, policies are more likely to succeed. Why aren't more women leading on climate change? 'We know that women are leading on climate change at a grassroots level and within civil society; we see it at CARE International through our programmes all over the world,' Pankhurst says. 'Women are leading the climate response in their homes and communities, coming up with innovative and sustainable solutions like leading agriculture cooperatives, encouraging their communities to plant drought-resistant crops, and creating early warning systems that save the lives and livelihoods of women who don't have access to traditional media.' ADVERTISEMENT If the evidence so starkly shows the need for women leading on climate change, then why are women still underrepresented as climate change leaders in politics? 'There's definitely a gender bias,' says Pitt. 'It's real and strong.' Perhaps there is a lurking, unconscious gender bias that distrusts women leaders or thinks they don't display the authority or assertiveness of men, as explored by the BBC when Kamala Harris became the first woman vice president of the United States. And according to Pitt, lack of female representation about climate on the national level is in part due to lack of representation. ADVERTISEMENT 'If you don't have women leading, you don't set the example for younger women to take that career,' she says. 'If you don't see women leading these conferences, young girls won't be inspired - they'll think it is just men in grey suits.' How can more women reach climate leadership positions? Public bodies, businesses, and governments are starting to realise the unconscious biases toward women in the climate change sector, but there isn't time to wait around for a slow, organic change, the experts argue. 'Organic growth [of women leading on climate change] is not delivering the results,' Pitt says. '50 per cent of delegations of climate negotiations have to be women as per the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan.' Pitt also urges that women be 'skilled up' to join negotiations, and be given ample amount of speaking time. ADVERTISEMENT 'If a woman chairs something, the remaining women in the room are more likely to speak up,' she says. By 'shining a light' on the women already leading in this space, younger girls will be inspired to follow - they will see it's possible to lead.' Likewise, Pankhurst - who, yes, is the great-granddaughter of British suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst - wants to see 'more room made at the table for women and girls to speak into this crisis.' 'We need to fund women-led organisations working in this space; supporting them to thrive and make a real difference at a political level locally, nationally and globally,' she says. ADVERTISEMENT And, this International Women's Day (8 March), there's no time to maintain the status quo. 'We don't have time to waste - climate change is here, now. It's not some far off threat,' she adds. 'We don't have the luxury of time.'
