The workshop is dedicated to the theme "Climate emergency and Gender Equality", with the objective of involving young people in the debate on the climate crisis - through non-formal and participatory methods. Before the workshop, the participants will receive a brochure with some relevant information to be aware of what is to take place.
Addressing a topic like climate change in an accessible and engaging way for young people requires adapting information to their level of understanding and using interactive methods. In this regard, the following things were taken into account:
1. Using concrete examples – presenting real and tangible examples of the effects of climate change. 2. Use of images and graphics – these elements help clarify complex concepts. 3. Explanation of technical terms – in the created brochure scientific or technical terms have been explained in simple terms to ensure understanding of the content. 4. Encouraging questions – throughout the activity, young people will be encouraged to ask questions if they are curious about a certain aspect.
Talking about climate change in a way that is empathetic, interactive and relevant to young people's interests and experiences can help them better understand the importance of the topic and feel motivated to act on it.
The workshop will follow the structure found below. For a good running of the workshop, a facilitator will be needed to ensure that the meeting proceeds properly, it is also recommended that within the World Caffe, there should be a member at each table to moderate and engage the members of each group to ensure that each of them presents their ideas/opinions.
Some useful information for trainers – in addition to the booklet created to be distributed to participants before the workshop (which trainers can also refer to), below is some information on some of the topics of interest related to climate change.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND PREGNANCY In 2020, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a groundbreaking scientific article that shed light on how pollution and the subsequent heatwaves can elevate the risk of stillbirths. This research revealed that tiny pollutant particles in the atmosphere have the ability not only to infiltrate the respiratory systems of pregnant women but also to reach the placenta, resulting in harm to developing fetuses and, in some instances, contributing to gestational disorders. Furthermore, a study conducted by Harvard University in the same year established a connection between extreme heat and gestational diabetes.
Notably, the 2020 JAMA study highlighted a disturbing trend wherein women from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly within the African-American community, face a higher risk compared to their white counterparts. "Ethnic minorities are disproportionately exposed to extreme weather events and often lack the means to protect themselves," as noted by Wellenius. He also pointed out that these communities frequently reside in neighborhoods that experience amplified heat during heatwaves and have limited access to air conditioning. In Italy, a study within the framework of the Moniter project uncovered a significant increase in the risk of premature birth and miscarriage due to exposure to PM10 (particulate matter) emitted by eight incinerators in Emilia Romagna. Furthermore, research involving over 514,000 residents in five cities in southern Italy identified a correlation between fertility issues and the presence of PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, even when these pollutants were within legal limits. Across the globe, similar studies have reinforced the concerning impact of air pollution on reproductive health. For instance, research in China, involving 18,000 couples, revealed that exposure to air pollution heightened the risk of infertility by 20 percent. In Denmark, a parallel study indicated that emissions from pollutants reduced women's chances of conceiving by 8 percent.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRICULTURE Adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change in agriculture necessitates innovative approaches. Farmers will need to alter their practices to cope with shifting conditions. Crucially, addressing gender inequality is essential for achieving success in this endeavor.
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of women worldwide, particularly in the least developed countries where approximately four-fifths of economically active women cite agriculture as their primary economic activity. More women are entering the agricultural sector. However, female farmers face challenges related to limited access to essential resources and inputs necessary to enhance their farming practices and effectively confront climate change-related challenges.
To ensure that policies, institutions, and services designed to assist farmers in adapting to climate change yield positive outcomes, they must cater to the needs of both male and female farmers. Five policy lessons based on research conducted in low- and middle-income countries:
Access to Agricultural Extension Services: Women often have less access to formal agricultural extension services due to the perception that they are not primary farmers. For instance, fewer women participate in community extension meetings or visit demonstration plots. To bridge this gap, diverse channels such as radio, extension events, SMS, voice messages, community groups, health clinics, and schools should be utilized to reach women effectively.
Communication and Information: Women typically have limited access to communication tools like radio and mobile phones. They also access information differently from men. Employing multiple communication channels tailored to women's needs can be more effective in disseminating critical information related to agriculture and climate change.
Tailored Information: Women may require different information compared to men because of their distinct responsibilities, needs, interests, and constraints. Therefore, information and training programs should be customized to address these specific aspects.
These policy lessons emphasize the importance of recognizing the central role of women in agriculture and ensuring that they receive the support and resources necessary to adapt to climate change while also contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND DROUGHT In numerous developing nations, women bear the responsibility of sourcing water for their families. Droughts exacerbate this challenge, compelling young girls to journey ever farther in search of water sources, often necessitating them to forego their education.
Moreover, women frequently shoulder the caregiving duties within their households. As temperatures rise or disasters strike, the heightened prevalence of diseases places an increased burden on them, elevating their susceptibility to falling ill. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable when diseases proliferate.
Given their roles as caregivers for children and the elderly in their families, women often prioritize the well-being of others over their own. Consequently, they become disproportionately affected during natural disasters.
In certain societies, traditional gender roles may also have hindered women's opportunities to acquire essential skills, such as swimming, or their attire may impede their mobility during emergency evacuations. The most severe consequences of climate change lead to mass migrations due to food, employment, or water shortages. Migrant women and girls face heightened vulnerability to sexual violence, and their healthcare needs are frequently unmet.
Due to climate change even cooking becomes a threat to health, since in low- and middle-income countries solid-fuel stoves (such as wood, agricultural waste, coal) are used, which pollute. Figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) speak of 3.8million deaths per year due to illnesses attributable to domestic air pollution caused by the inefficient use of these stoves. Moreover, in poor communities in most developing countries, women and girls are responsible for collecting fuels such as wood, a gruelling task that can take two to twenty hours a week. As a result, women have less time to do household chores, earn money, engage in politics or other public activities, learn to read or acquire other skills, or simply rest. Girls also often stay at home to help. Finally, when environmental degradation forces them to seek resources further afield, women and girls may be subject to injury from carrying heavy loads over long distances, and they also face an increased risk of harassment, assault and sexual violence.
In recent years, the practice of sex for fish has been denounced in the central parts of Africa: i.e. sex as a bargaining chip for fish transactions between fishermen and fish sellers, when women are unable to buy it.
OTHER FIELDS WHERE GENDER INEQUALITY IS VISBLE Due to climate change even cooking becomes a threat to health, since in low- and middle-income countries solid-fuel stoves (such as wood, agricultural waste, coal) are used, which pollute. Figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) speak of 3.8 million deaths per year due to illnesses attributable to domestic air pollution caused by the inefficient use of these stoves. Moreover, in poor communities in most developing countries, women and girls are responsible for collecting fuels such as wood, a gruelling task that can take two to twenty hours a week. As a result, women have less time to do household chores, earn money, engage in politics or other public activities, learn to read or acquire other skills, or simply rest. Girls also often stay at home to help. Finally, when environmental degradation forces them to seek resources further afield, women and girls may be subject to injury from carrying heavy loads over long distances, and they also face an increased risk of harassment, assault and sexual violence.
In recent years, the practice of sex for fish has been denounced in the central parts of Africa: i.e. sex as a bargaining chip for fish transactions between fishermen and fish sellers, when women are unable to buy it.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
I. Introduction - presentation of the organization, the project and the workshop (15 min) II. Ice breaker (15 min) III. Presentation: Climate crisis – what it is, causes and effects (30 min) IV. World Cafe ( 1 h) V. Coffee Break (15 min) VI. Role Play Debate (30 min) VIII. Conclusions, Feedback and thanks (15 min)