This brief provides a high-level summary of the challenges that women in the world of work face as a result of climate change, both now and within the framework of worsening, future climate impacts. It also warns against the negative effects of excluding or overlooking the needs of women when enacting climate mitigation and adaptation measures.

The authors explore these challenges in the context of formal labor, informal agricultural labor, and unpaid household and care work. They suggest that the transition to low-carbon and sustainable economies offers an opportunity to address existing and emerging inequalities and vulnerabilities, secure and protect fundamental workplace rights, and empower women by ensuring their essential contribution to the stimulation of green growth.

To achieve these goals, the authors encourage greater engagement on the issues of gender, labor, and climate change. Furthermore, they encourage policymakers to include specific goals in transition planning regarding equal opportunities for and treatment of women and men.