Gender and Climate Justice by COPGendered

Individual mobility patterns of men are linked to motorised traffic – men constitute the majority of car users and motorcycle drivers. In contrast, women represent the majority of users of (urban) public transportation systems, and they rely more than men on walking. In the Global South, many women cannot afford any means of transport due to women’s economic situation, caregiving roles and safety concerns. Barrier-free accessibility is another concern e.g. for women with children, elderly people or persons with disabilities, while personal safety in transportation is often also a concern of LGBTIQ+ people. Understanding these (intersecting) gendered dynamics alongside the broader environmental impacts of transportation is crucial to developing effective policies and initiatives to mitigate climate change and promote equitable access to transportation resources. Road traffic is the primary contributor to CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. Given that men predominantly use cars and motorcycles, their travel patterns result in higher energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to women. Research in Europe indicates that women demonstrate greater environmental awareness, particularly regarding car usage. From a climate justice standpoint, reducing motorised road mobility is imperative. While remote rural areas in the Global South may benefit from improved road connections (e.g. better access for girls and women to education, health services or for marketing agricultural produce), urban planning experts advocate for denser settlements to reduce the need for new roads in the Global North. Concentrating settlements in villages and cities supports public transport solutions and promotes walkability, benefiting women and those with caregiving responsibilitie