ABSTRACT
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was adopted in December 1979 and entered into force on September 3, 1981. This is the main instrument governing discrimination against women and is a specialized treaty that is applicable in tandem with the International Bill of Rights. While the Convention itself is silent on environmental protection and climate change, the Committee has adopted several recommendations that refer to these issues. The Committee recommended that the state parties ensure that climate change and disaster risk reduction measures are gender-responsive and sensitive to the needs of older women and facilitate their participation in decision-making with regard to mitigation and adaptation. While this recognition and the need to facilitate their participation in decision-making is significant, the Committee’s reference to natural disasters is concerning as many of these severe weather events are triggered by climate change.
