Reps. Lee, McCollum and Eshoo Recognize the Impact of Climate Change on Women
For Immediate Release
April 2, 2009
Contact:
Nicole Y. Williams (Lee) (202) 225-2661
Cleve Mesidor (McCollum) (202) 225-6631
Danielle Lee (Eshoo) (202) 225-8104
Washington, DC – This week, at the close of Women’s History Month and in accordance with the 2009 theme “Women taking the Lead to Save the Planet”, Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced a resolution that recognizes the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address climate change.
“There is no doubt that the affects of climate change have, and will continue to impact the most vulnerable of populations,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As we work to tackle the challenge of climate change, and its devastating consequences for global health and security, we must support and empower women who have a unique capacity to promote and implement strategies for mitigation and adaptation. Women have fought and continue to struggle for gender equality and women’s rights both at home and abroad. We must ensure that policies help women prepare for, build their resilience, and adapt to the adverse impact that climate change has on women across the globe.”
“Mitigating the impact of climate change on women in the developing world must be recognized as a priority. Rural women produce half of the world’s food. But climate change is exacerbating the international food crisis with changing weather patterns, droughts, hurricanes and tsunamis, which is compromising the economic stability of families and leaving them vulnerable to new and re-emerging infectious diseases. This House resolution sheds a national spotlight on the issue and affirms that investing in women and the environment will help improve food security and health outcomes here at home and around the globe,” said Congresswoman McCollum, co-chair of the Global Health Caucus.
“I’m proud to support this resolution which recognizes the impact of climate change on women in developing countries. Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges in the 21st century and I will continue my work in Congress to ensure that comprehensive climate change legislation is aggressive, sensible and addresses the needs of the most vulnerable, especially women,” said Congresswoman Eshoo.
The resolution, among other things, encourages the use of gender-sensitive frameworks in developing policies to address climate change, which account for the specific impacts of climate change on women. Additionally, it affirms the commitment of Congress to empower women to have a voice in the planning and implementation of strategies to address climate change so that their roles and resources are taken into account.
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