Changing Climate: Elevating Women and Youth as Agents of Action

Cyntia Abarca is a Peruvianbusiness strategist, product designer and climate activist based in New York City. Her design ethos seeks to disrupt conventional norms and focuses on comprenhending both user and systemic needs. She believes change can be intentionally designed, fueled by hope and determination. cyntiaabarca.com

“

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something is worth doing no matter how it turns out.

Václav Havel

Cyntia Abarca

CHANGING CLIMATE

CHANGING CLIMATE

Elevating women and youth as agents of action

Cyntia Abarca

Author Designer

Cyntia Abarca

Introduction

What if I told you that involving women could help us combat climate change? You may wonder what I mean. Aren’t women already involved to some extent? While it may not seem immediately apparent, this was headline news in 2019. A 2015 McKinsey study found that achieving gender equality in labor markets could have added $28 trillion to our economy by 2025 in a full potential scenario—enough to significantly fund the fight against climate change. Yet, we continue to grapple with both the gender and climate crises.

On the other hand, Project Drawdown, a seminal work detailing solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, underscores the impact of educating girls and women. This strategy, often overlooked, is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 51.48 gigatons by 2050, equivalent to removing 10.9 billion cars from the road for a year.

So, why does educating girls have such a profound impact, and why isn’t there more discussion or investment in this area compared to sectors like energy or transportation? How does this affect the gender gap, and what are the connections between climate issues and women and girls? What does the current gender gap in climate solutions look like, and what might unfold if we fail to address climate

change from a gender perspective?

In an ideal world, achieving gender equality and addressing the climate agenda would have been understood and addressed concurrently. However, those links remain missing, unclear, and disconnected from our near reality. This disconnect leads to climate action take unnintentionally or people encountering doomism without recognizing the unique opportunity we have to do much more for our planet and future generations, while also reshaping the gender norms that many women face in various forms.

Throughout this book, I will examine the various connections between women and climate, the importance of integrating a gender perspective in climate action and detailing my deliberate interventions as a designer in four distinct forms.

This work spans from educational platforms to tangible products designed for women facing climate-induced disasters. The collection of design tools I’ve created aspires to uplift women, aid vulnerable populations, and inspire the next generation, magnifying their role in addressing the complexities of the climate crisis.

Chapter 1

Glossary

Allyship: as described by the Center for Creative Leadership, involves actively supporting and advocating with others, especially those from different social identity groups. It’s an ongoing process of collaboration and self-awareness, where understanding one’s privilege is key to effectively working alongside diverse groups.1

Amplify: in the climate context, means to enhance or increase the volume and impact of women’s voices. It’s about giving more visibility and recognition to what women are already saying and doing, rather than instructing, guiding or “empowering” them.2

Climate anxiety: refers to the distress caused by concerns about climate change and its effects on the environment and human life. This anxiety can appear as persistent worries or distressing thoughts about potential future catastrophes or the long-term prospects for human survival and the planet, including the fate of future generations.3

Diversity washing: Essentially, this practice is about companies portraying themselves as diverse and socially responsible mainly for profit, rather than being truly dedicated to these principles.4

Eco gender gap: highlights the differences in environmental concern and action between genders, typically showing that women exhibit more concern and proactive behavior toward sustainability and environmental preservation than men. This gap underscores the varied engagement levels with ecological and climate issues across gender.5

¹ https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-allyship-your-questions-answered/#:~:text=Allyship%20refers%20to%20the%20actions,social%20identity%20groups%20as%20 themselves.

² Sifuma, Natalie. Interview. Conducted by Cyntia Abarca. Nov 2023

³ https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-climate-anxiety

⁴ https://www.purplegoatagency.com/insights/diversity-washing/#:~:text=The%20Definition%20of%20 'Diversity%20Washing'&text=At%20its%20core%2C%20this%20practice,genuine%20commitment%20 to%20these%20values.

⁵ https://atmos.earth/evening-up-the-eco-gender-gap/#:~:text=The%20result%20of%20this%20is,to%20 just%2059%25%20of%20men

Ecofeminism: a philosophical and political movement that merges environmental concerns with feminist ones, regarding both as resulting from patriarchal structures.6

Frontline: refers to the position or status of being most directly exposed to and affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. It typically applies to those locations, communities, or groups that are the first to experience the consequences of climate change, often due to their geographic, environmental, or socio-economic characteristics that render them particularly vulnerable to climatic shifts. 7

Intersectionality: is the concept that various social categories like race, class, and gender are interlinked, leading to complex, overlapping forms of discrimination or disadvantage. Intersectionality in climate involves recognizing how those factors intersect to uniquely shape how individuals experience climate change. It acknowledges that marginalized communities often face more severe effects and stresses the need for climate policies that address these diverse vulnerabilities and systemic inequalities.8 9

Gendered impacts: signifies those outcomes or effects that, arise from the same action or set of actions but affect men and women differently, both in intensity and nature. These impacts acknowledge the distinct experiences and societal roles of different gender groups, leading to varied consequences of specific actions across genders.10

Gender gap: refers to the disparities between women and men across various domains including social, political, intellectual, cultural, or economic achievements and attitudes. The World Economic Fo⁶ Oxford Languages

7 https://www.careaboutclimate.org/blog/what-is-a-frontline-community

8 https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-intersectionality-and-climate-change

9 https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/genderedlives/chapter/chapter-15-the-global-north-introducingthe-region #:~:text=The%20Global%20North%20encompasses%20the,primarily%20on%20their%20 economic%20participation

10 https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/gendered-impacts#:~:text=Gendered%20Impacts%20 means%20those%20impacts,1Sample%202Sample%203

rum's Global Gender Gap Index measures this gap in four key areas: health, education, economics, and politics. This index aims to show the differences in opportunities and status between genders, with particular emphasis on measuring the gaps rather than the levels of development. The gender gap index helps in understanding the scale of gender disparities and monitoring their progress over time.11

Global North: as explained in “Gendered Lives,” is not defined by geography but by the relative wealth and influence of countries such as the United States, Canada, European Union members, Australia, and New Zealand. This concept emphasizes their economic, political, and cultural hegemony, influenced by historical events like colonialism. It moves beyond standard geographical labels to address deeper global disparities in political and economic power structures. 12

Global South: this term refers a range of countries often labeled as ‘developing,’ ‘less developed,’ or ‘underdeveloped.’ Many, but not all, of these countries are situated in the Southern Hemisphere, predominantly across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.The term reflects not just geographical location but also historical, cultural, and economic contexts that shape the experiences and challenges of these countries in the global landscape. 13 14

Masculinities: behaviours, languages and practices, existing in specific cultural and organisational locations, which are commonly associated with men, thus culturally defined as not feminine.15

Non-frontline: in the context of climate change, this term alludes

11 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/11/the-gender-gap-actually-got-worse-in-2017/

12 https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/genderedlives/chapter/chapter-15-the-global-north-introducing-the-region #:~:text=The%20Global%20North%20encompasses%20the,primarily%20on%20their%20 economic%20participation.

13 https://theconversation.com/the-global-south-is-on-the-rise-but-what-exactly-is-the-globalsouth-207959

14 https://apnews.com/article/what-is-global-south-19fa68cf8c60061e88d69f6f2270d98

15 https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/masculinities#:~:text=Masculinities%20are%20those%20 behaviours%2C%20languages,defined%20as%20not%20feminine64

to individuals, communities, or regions that are not immediately or directly impacted by the acute effects of climate change.These areas might not face the immediate risks and challenges that frontline communities do, such as severe weather events, rising sea levels, or extreme environmental degradation. Non-frontline groups, though indirectly affected, can still play a vital role in climate action and policy-making.

Patriarchy: a system in which men hold disproportionate power and influence, leading to gender imbalances in various societal aspects, including environmental policies and actions. This patriarchal structure is seen as contributing to the climate crisis through gendered social norms and decision-making processes that overlook or undervalue women's perspectives and contributions.16

¹⁶ https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/gendered-impacts#:~:text=Gendered%20Impacts%20means%20those%20impacts,1Sample%202Sample%203

Chapter 2

Statement of Thesis

Although I've been interested in sustainability from a young age, I only fully grasped the climate change landscape two years ago. This shift occurred when I learned from the UN that 80% of those displaced by climate change are women—a staggering figure that deeply resonated with me. Consequently, I immersed myself in climate studies to further understand the connections and seek design opportunities to make a difference.

Over two semesters, I explored various climate perspectives by immersing myself in papers and books, participating in numerous events and conducting over 25 interviews with a diverse group of experts. I discovered several key connections between climate and women, guiding my design interventions:

1. Gendered impacts: This link examines the relationship between climate change and women. Although climate change is indifferent to gender, borders, or cultures, its impacts are disproportionately felt by women. Women not only make up the majority of those displaced by climate-related disasters, but they also often face gender roles that make them more vulnerable to climate shocks. This is particularly true for women and young girls living in poverty conditions and frontline areas.

2. Underrepresentation in Climate Spaces: the intersection of women and climate action reveals significant underrepresentation in the development of climate solutions, negotiations, and leadership roles. By 2030, women are projected to hold only 25% of green jobs. In the climate tech space, a mere 9% of venture capital reaches women founders. Furthermore, women account for less than 35% of participants in COP, the primary global climate conference—a figure that has remained static for a decade.

3. Advocacy and outcomes: Despite their frequent underrepresentation, women consistently advocate for climate action, adopt sustain-

able practices, and achieve positive outcomes in leadership positions or when given investment, as various studies have shown. Nevertheless, their contributions are often undervalued compared to their male counterparts, especially among black, indigenous, and people of color.

The relationship between women and climate transcends mere gender issues; it is crucial for climate strategies and discussions. Exploring the links between these concepts uncovers a unique opportunity not only to advance but also to catalyze the climate agenda through achieving gender equality. This involves intentionally elevating women's involvement in the climate sphere and addressing the unique challenges they face, whether in vulnerable frontline communities or through advocacy and leadership in sustainable negotiations or green jobs.

Additionally, recognizing that our climate crisis is a leadership crisis rooted in a patriarchal system was crucial in further shaping my design approach. Incorporating allyship and narratives is vital to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and inspire and support younger generations to engage in climate action, irrespective of gender norms

Chapter 3

Research

This thesis project started off with an exploratory research with the purpose of gaining a broader understanding of the intersection of women and climate and aimed to identify questions, patterns and ideas that has not been made yet, including a large span of topics from gender and education to climate change and sustainability. The data collection techniques in an exploratory research can be categorized into primary and secondary methods.

Over the course of two semesters, primary study was gathered through a series of 24 interviews with a diverse group of experts in related fields. These discussions include a wide range of individuals, primarily women, whose expertise aligns with the focus of the thesis. Participants included professors, designers, journalists, advisors, professionals, corporate partners, founders, as well as community leaders and speakers from various global organizations and initiatives. This diverse input helped me in navigating the intricate connections between women and climate from a multitude of viewpoints.

Moreover, the study was complemented through research publications, as well as books, movies, podcasts, newspaper articles and TED talks. The concept of gender gap is deeply embedded not only in climate, but also in every facet of our societal systems, manifesting in numerous ways throughout history. Therefore, climate is another vertical that, when intersecting with women, highlights and aggravates existing challenges for them.

To fully understand the intersection of women and climate, it was essential to examine this nexus from multiple perspectives, broadening our understanding of the prevailing narratives, facts, and concepts. Intersectionality highlights that climate change affects individuals differently, particularly women on the frontlines.

Climate change is not gender-neutral and it should not be reported that way.

Founder, executive leader, and Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum, with a focus on social and environmental impact

Climate Tech cities/ Co-founder and managing partner

Aurora Chiste

Head of Communications at SHE Changes CLIMATE

Natalie Sifuma

Co-Founder

at St

Sonam Velani

Head of policy at Climate Policy Radar

Sarah Goodenough

Social Scientist at the World Bank

Ezgi Canpolat

Director of Storytelling & Engagement at Project Drawdown

Matt Scott

Founder Climate Tech cities; Product Director at Thalo Labs

Alec Turnbull

Climate Communications Strategist, Researcher & Lecturer

Nicole Loher

Climate adaptation researcher and educator

HK Dunston

Climate Change Officer at IDB Invest, Inter-American Development Bank Group

Malini Samtani

Head of partnerships at SHE Changes Climate

Frances Storey

Co-founder Gather & Riffle Ventures

Suma Reddy

Advisor, investor and educator, founder CTB and Riffle ventures

Director of CDP West at the Carbon Disclosure Project

Associate Director Of Climate Research & Consulting Programs, Story Consultant

Research and Innovation for Climate Resilience, Gender Equity, and

Sarah Goodenough

Vice President at Marathon Capital, Formerly at Credit Suisse, World Bank & Micron

Chandni Chellappa

Betty Cremmis

Alisa Petrosova

Product Design Leader, Co-founder & advisor Wildgrid

Krystal Persaud

Health

Meg Brown

North America Design Director, Sustainability Studio, at Accenture Song

Co-founder and Chief Learning Officer, Terra. do. Creator of Terra.do’s global climate bootcamp for professionals, Climate

International Educational Development Professional, M.A. | Passionate about early childhood and human rights education

Certified Financial Risk Manager and Sustainability and Climate Risk from GARP with expertise in Enterprise Risk Management

Author, speaker, former NPR correspondent

Climate Fund Program Manager at CIV:LAB

Caroline Siouffi

Heer Doshi

Kamal Kapadia

Anya Kamenetz

Shawna Richardson

Vijayta Narang

Gendered impacts

Climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our era, impacts everyone, yet it is not gender-neutral and it should not be reported that way. It acts as a threat multiplier, disproportionately affecting women by exacerbating vulnerability and increasing the likelihood of facing severe hardships. These issues are compounded by entrenched cultural norms, roles, and expectations.

So why exactly women are disproportionatelly affected? Systemic inequalities make women and girls especially susceptible to the impacts of climate disasters. Their roles in child care and household management, combined with dependence on climate-sensitive jobs like agriculture and fishing, increase their vulnerability. Societal restrictions on their autonomy, including educational gaps in literacy and skills like swimming, leave them less equipped to obtain information or escape hazards like flooding. Moreover, post-disaster conditions often heighten risks of sexual violence and disorder, as seen after super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, where chaos intensified threats to their safety in both public and private spaces.

In summary, women, particularly those on the frontlines, in impoverished conditions and the Global South, confront numerous inequalities that climate change exacerbates. These include:

• Resource Access: Women often lack access to financial resources, education, technology, land ownership, and bank accounts.

• Caregiving Roles: Women predominantly handle childcare and household management.

• Information Access: There are barriers to accessing media and electronic devices.

• Legal Restrictions: Women face various legal constraints.

• Cultural Practices: Constrictive cultural norms limit women’s education and practical skills such as swimming.

• Safety Concerns: Women are more vulnerable to sexual violence and general safety issues in public spaces.

So, discussing gendered impacts involves addressing these exacerbated conditions resulting from climate-related disasters and effects.

Underrepresentation

Despite climate change disproportionately impacts women, yet they remain underrepresented in various fields and leadership positions, from green jobs to climate negotiations, arenas where narratives can be reshaped and critical decisions are made.

This second link refers to women and climate action which consider different interventions and approaches.

Green jobs

According to a Boston Consulting Group study, the current trajectory suggests that climate action might leave women behind in economic participation and opportunity. The green economy, encompassing sectors like agriculture, green consumer goods, automotive and industrial green segments, waste management, and renewable energy, is expected to create 67 million new jobs by 2030, totaling 155 million. However, only 25% of these jobs are anticipated to be held by women.

This discrepancy stems from female underrepresentation in these sectors, influenced by factors such as limited access to green skills or reskilling, a lack of mentorship, and disproportionate investment in women-led green projects or sectors. This situation prompted me to explore the dynamics between women, capital, and climate tech.

Green capital

Traditionally, female founders encounter higher interest rates and less funding compared to male counterparts in the venture capital domain. This trend, confirmed by the Female Founders Fund in 2022 and reflected in traditional banking, continues with only 7% of US climate tech venture capital directed to female-led businesses in 2023, as per Greenbiz. This funding gap is often linked to women creating businesses outside the typical VC-backed areas, preferring smaller ventures in slower-growing sectors like retail or food, instead of technology.

Additionally, women face further obstacles such as limited access to

Women’s Representation in Business Leadership and Climate Investment Flows

Source: Exploring Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs Driving Climate Solutions, IFC- Word Bank

funding, prevalent gender bias, and a lack of supportive networks, which intensify the challenges of entrepreneurship.

A crisis of leadership

Valuable insights were gathered after talking with experts already working with women in climate and witnessing what is the current intersection in their own fields, such as Natalie Sifuma, head of Communications at SHE Changes CLIMATE, a global campaign that empowers women from diverse backgrounds to lead equitable climate action globally; Aurora Chiste, founder, executive leader, and Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum, with a focus on social and environmental impact; and Sarah Goodenough from Climate Policy Radar.

The climate crisis is inherently a leadership crisis, as our society and economics remain rooted in patriarchal systems. Addressing these systems involves inclusive change and equal representation, with women and men serving as co-chairs and active participants, rather than having women as mere tokens of equality. It’s also vital to recognize the hierarchies within gender, ensuring that disabled women or women of color, who have often been left behind, are included in the conversation.

Despite efforts towards inclusivity, women still constitute less than 35% of participants at COP, the principal global climate conference—a statistic that has remained stagnant for over a decade.

The climate crisis is fundamentally a leadership crisis, as our society and economy remain rooted in patriarchal systems. “

Natalie Sifuma

Head of Communications at SHE Changes CLIMATE

Advocacy and outcomes

The third link relates to climate action, where women are at the forefront, exemplified by advocates like Marina Silva, a Brazilian environmentalist; Christina Figueres, associated with the Paris Agreement; Melanie Nakagawa, notable for the U.S. rejoining the Paris Agreement; and Sharona Schnayder, co-founder of the Tuesdays for Trash movement to name a few.

Research shows that having more women in Parliament correlates with a higher likelihood of ratifying environmental treaties and implementing climate policies. Moreover, female-founded companies typically generate twice the revenue per dollar invested than those founded by men.

Despite these positive impacts, the support for women's contributions in climate action remains insufficient. Women face unique challenges in advocating and implementing climate solutions, contributing to a phenomenon known as the eco gender gap.

A Wider Gender Gap

Research suggests that current approaches to climate change could potentially set back gender equality by two decades, further widening a gender gap that is projected to take 135 years to close.

The Opportunity

Recognizing these challenges offers a significant opportunity to advance both climate initiatives and gender equality. However, as Zineb, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group and co-author of "Why Climate Action Needs a Gender Focus," notes, this requires targeted efforts. It is crucial for all green initiatives, including projects, investments, policies, and responses, to be designed to benefit both men and women equally.

Delving deeper into these issues highlighted the crucial role of allyship in addressing both gender and climate challenges. The mantra "To change everything, we need everyone" guided my research back to the intertwined nature of the gender gap, climate inaction, and societal roles concerning masculinity.

Furthermore, a discussion with a subject matter expert uncovered a significant opportunity to bridge the gender gap and catalyze action by reshaping narratives around gender norms from a young age and integrating climate discussions into early education, aiming to mitigate these issues permanently

Chapter 4

Early Exploration & Prototypes

Since August 2023 and as part of my early explorations, I started going to several Climate events in New York City. These gatherings have allowed me to connect with different individuals while observing the unique patterns and dynamics that vary with each type of event. Notably, two events in particular have influenced my exploration and were inspiration for my early prototypes.

The first was the New York Climate Week in September, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Climate Tech Summit in October. It was relly uplifting to see crowed rooms everywhere those

months, indicating that the climate movement was gaining significant momentum. The participation of women and men in these meetings was quite balanced on average, particularly during discussions on climate justice and equity. Nevertheless, when the discussion included the word ‘technology,’ the gender representation varied significantly.

During the climate week in NYC, I remembered attending the event “AI and Climate Tech: How the Future of Innovation and AI Can and Should Be Climate Aligned” and witnessing that roughly 20% of the room were women, a trend that was also apparent at the MIT conference, which was strongly focused on climate technology.

Furthermore, I began to wonder who else was absent from those rooms, what topics needed to be discussed, and whether the audience and panelists were conscious of these omissions. This line of inquiry led me to explore the notion of women having a seat at the table, a concept I had encountered at some point previously in my life. It became increasingly clear that the climate sector was no exception. As my research advanced, I not only confirmed this but also identified other disheartening realities within the climate and gender intersection.

But what does it exactly mean ‘having a seat at the table’? and why is it important?. To have a seat at the table means having a voice and a perspective that is considered, or raising an issue within a decision-making context.

A Seat at the Table” is borrowed from Langston Hughes’ iconic poem, I, Too; a poem that is engraved in stone at the entrance of the National Museum of African American History on the National Mall. The metaphor of the ‘table’ carries significant mythological weight in our cultural narratives: it’s the setting where Jesus broke bread with his disciples, evokes the legendary tales of valor associated with King Arthur and his Knights at the Round Table, and resonates with Martin

Luther King Jr.’s vision of the ‘table of brotherhood’ as the cornerstone of unity, equality, and racial justice in his iconic dream.

So, The concept of the table is closely associated with power and has been depicted in various forms throughout history and in different cultures. In the contemporary corporate world, this is exemplified by the four-sided polygonal tables that dominate main meeting rooms— spaces of influence where critical decisions are made.

In recent years, the expression 'having a seat at the table' has become prevalent, symbolizing the effort to include groups traditionally marginalized in corporate environments, including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ communities, among others.Shirley Chisholm famously said to women, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” I would also suggest, if necessary, build your own table and invite people to talk about it.

Based on these initial explorations and ideas, I started sketching out some prototypes around women at the climate table.

I, too

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.

Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then.

Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed—

I, too, am America.

Langston Hughes, 1902 - 1967

Hexagons

Regular hexagons belong to a unique trio of shapes capable of tessellating a plane, which means they can be replicated endlessly to cover an area seamlessly without leaving any spaces. Hexagons are everywhere, from honeycombs to snowflakes. Mother nature has unwavering that this type of formation is the most efficient for them.

Building your own climate table

Building your own table within the context of climate discussions served as a provotype or provocative prototype, inviting dialogue about the role of women at the nexus of climate issues. Having never built a table before, it presented a valuable opportunity to translate the metaphor into tangible form and gather deeper insights throughout the process.

Exploring the links with users

To further explore public perceptions on the intersection of gender and climate, I conducted a co-creation session with women interested in climate issues. The aim was to enhance awareness and develop strategies together to boost women's participation in climate leadership roles.

Co-creation workshop Women C* Suite (*Climate)

Goals

• Explore the concepts associated with climate action and climate change through a gender and leadership lens.

• Understand concepts related to frontline vs non-frontline

• Explore what are the tools needed to bring more women to non-frontline spaces.

Participants

Women from 24 to 35 years old

Activities

Introductions & mad libs

Setting the stage

Wearing the gender lens: Women & climate Break

Building a C*suite: Climate leadership Wrap-up

Wearing gender lens: Women and climate

Using a climate impact template, participants were guided to map out various actors, industries, and concepts across the climate landscape, taking into account both frontline and non-frontline areas.

Spectrum A

Prompt: What sector/role/profession are/will be most impacted?

Spectrum B:

Prompt: What sector/role/ profession must work on the frontline of climate change to mitigate its impact?

Participants reported that working within spectrum B was easier than in spectrum A

Building a C*Suite: Climate leadership

The second activity involved building a climate leadership toolkit. This was developed through a co-design process that utilized insights on the connections between women and climate. Participants discussed the necessary skills and qualities required to lead in the climate sector and explored why greater female involvement is crucial

Learnings

• Awareness: Awareness is lacking in accurately assessing the impact at the intersection of women and climate issues. Thus, it's crucial to consciously adopt a gender-focused perspective in both climate action and educational initiatives.

• Climate education: Enhancing climate education involves quantifying and understanding the diverse impacts of climate change on various roles and sectors that women occupy. It's also crucial to develop accessible climate-related terminology, which can lower the barriers to entry for women in climate negotiations and discussions.

• Leadership skills: There is a strong association between communication and public speaking skills, networking abilities, and leadership.Additional skills integral to leadership include developing self-confidence and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome.

Moving forward

The next question explored was: How can the concept of female leadership and having a seat at the table in climate discussions be transformed into more impactful and scalable actions?

To begin tackling these challenges, I initiated brainstorming sessions focused on various concepts and ideas.

Chapter 5

Audience

At the start of my research into the intersection of climate and women, women were my primary focus. While targeting nearly 4 billion individuals wasn't practical, it was essential to refine my audience focus, pinpointing critical pain points. This approach facilitated an understanding of how different stakeholders were either contributing to the issues or could serve as pivotal changemakers in altering the dominant narrative and spurring meaningful action.

The following outlines the primary audiences for each of my design interventions:

Women on frontlines

Those directly impacted by climate-related disasters or in emergency situations.

Women and green jobs

Female professionals looking to enter or progress within the climate sector or other green industries.

Organizations and female climate leadership

Engaging organizations, volunteers, policymakers, and female advocates to foster leadership and action.

Men & other genders

Mobilizing men and others as allies in promoting gender equality and pushing the climate agenda forward.

Youth engagement

Targeting teenagers aged 12 to 17 in the United States to cultivate early awareness and involvement in climate issues.

Chapter 6

Thesis Projects

The problem

The World Bank estimates that over 500 million women and girls worldwide lack adequate menstrual supplies and hygiene facilities, a condition expected to worsen as the climate crisis intensifies. In frontline communities, which are areas highly exposed to the effects of climate change, securing access presents significant challenges. These hurdles range from obtaining resources and communication to providing specific products for women and girls, with energy being crucial to accessing all of these.

Lack of resources

Specific needs

The opportunity

There is an opportunity to support women on the frontlines by providing access to essential resources and addressing their specific needs when facing climate hazards. This support can include providing energy solutions and a stock of menstrual essentials.

essentials

Menstrual

The solution Who

Dandelight is a fanny pack designed for young girls and women in vulnerable conditions, particularly those highly exposed to climate disasters or who have recently experienced one.

What An emergency kit designed to address menstrual needs while also providing essential resources for accessing information, light, or staying connected.

Wow Energy and menstrual health are two crucial components for women during a crisis. This practical design is resilient to the challenges of climate disasters and adapts to various women’s bodies, serving as a pack for immediate carrying of menstrual essentials and a solar panel charger.

Design explorations

After some design explorations, the kit was developed with waterproof and ergonomic features, contrasting the existing 'dignity kit' provided by the UN to women in vulnerable conditions. Dandelight's size and form were designed for easier portability, addressing the limitations of the current offerings.

Design process

Dignity kit offered by United Nations

Source: United Nations Population Fund

Solar panel + battery

Tampons

Pads

Towel

Phone charging cable

Antiseptic wipes

Water purification tablets

Reusable pads

Menstrual essentials and energy combined represent much more than just a kit.Menstrual essentials equate to dignity for women.And energy symbolizes agency, communication, and access.

Main features

Dandelight includes basic menstrual products designed to last approximately three months, such as tampons, pads, towels, water purification tablets, flasks, and antiseptic wipes—essential for proper menstrual care.

Additionally, it features a solar panel charger and battery, complete with two types of phone charging cables: Type C and USB.

Challenges

Sewing a fanny pack was the main challenge, taking nearly four weeks to complete. The process involved iterating from a paper prototype to modifying a previous fanny pack to understand the necessary joints and construction techniques required for my design.

Steps

A new ally in transitioning to or advancing within the climate sector. STEPS is not just a mentor matching app; it’s a community and a toolkit designed specifically for women who aspire to make a significant impact in the climate space.

Research & insights

The problem

While climate change affects everyone, women often face disproportionate challenges, from job displacement to educational gaps in emerging green skills. Despite their potential, many women are still on the sidelines. 9 in 10 women lack a single green skill or green job experience, a gap exacerbated by barriers such as a lack of role models, guidance, gender pay disparities, and an l overwhelming climate jargon that remains inaccessible to many. These challenges are compounded for those who wish to transition from traditional sectors to more impactful roles in climate action.

How can we help women and make transitioning to a climate career path— or leveling up—as easy and well-supported as possible?

Mentorship effectively addresses the lack of role models, guidance, and connections while streamlining the process of making decisions, facing challenges, and learning new skills. It often kickstarts meaningful relationships and enhances confidence, support, or motivation for further steps.

Conversely, climate content can be overwhelming and time-consuming, requiring extensive research across various platforms such as courses, lexicons, and podcasts. This information overload can be daunting, particularly when trying to stay informed and actionable in the climate space.

The opportunity

There is an opportunity to design a better way for female professionals who struggles to find themselves without the necessary resources or support to begin or progress in their climate journey - from advocating to transitioning their careers into the green sector. Mentorship

The solution

Who

Women who want to navigate the climate sector, shift their careers into the green space, or advance their careers as they transition from one area of the climate sector to another.

What

A mentor matching app, community and toolkit designed specifically for women who aspire to make a significant impact in the climate space.

Sustained and practical support through a mentorship program and curated climate resources developed in partnership with other organizations and enhanced by leveraging AI to ensure the best resources are available.

Fist user flow journey

First sketches and wireframes

The first version

The first version of the app was focusing on supporting women through mentorship, climate basic resources and events. The next screens, features and business model were tested with two mentee and three mentor profiles with different backgrounds.

Home

User testing

Mentors

Number of mentors interviewed: 3

Learnings:

• Validation of Women's Struggles: there are unique challenges that women face in the climate sector.

• Cross-Sectoral Climate Impact: climate issues span across various sectors.

• Business Model: It is important to implement financial accountability from both ends to ensure commitment and results.

• Mentor-Mentee Dynamics: The first version of the app did not address the unmet need for mentor-mentee relationships

Mentees

Number of mentees interviewed: 2

Learnings:

• Support and Experience Validation: There is a recognized need for support and guidance. Participants expressed a desire for a structured pathway and assistance in exploring various climate sectors.

• Time Constraints: Users identified time as a significant barrier to career pivoting and skill enhancement.

Mentor's quotes:

This is something that doesn’t exist and the market needs it. No one else is doing that, and women are struggling to get into the climate space. “

I’d do this for free but I’d piss off if someone doesn't show up “

I’d be happy to be a mentor source, but I’d also wanted to be a mentee because I’m sort of switching what I’m working on now and it would really helpful to have these extra resources

Mentee's quotes:

“I’d bought the idea, we need this” “

“I’d like to navigate different climate paths before making a decision”

Final version

Main features

After user testing, the app underwent a comprehensive redesign and rebranding, and the business model was solidified. Based on user feedback, these three main features were taken into account and here is how it works:

1. Tailored Mentorship: Based on interests and goals, the app will connect women with climate professionals who can guide them through career transitions and growth. It will also encourage users to set specific targets and build meaningful relationships through feedback and collaboration

2. Curated Learning Resources: easy-to-digest, relevant content or "climate cards" that demystifies the complex climate jargon and makes learning actionable and straightforward.

3. Collective steps: a supportive communitv, building a network of peers and leaders to foster collaboration, sharing of best practices, and mutual support.

Business model

STEPS operates on a freemium basis, with premium subscriptions enhancing user experience and access. Importantly, 50% of the revenue from subscriptions supports scholarships for women in vulnerable conditions to access the platform. Additionally, penalties are enforced for no-shows from both sides to encourage commitment and participation.

1 mentorship session every 3 months

1 climate card a month

Access to collective steps section, messages and files older than 60 days are hidden

Fixed fee

Full access, unlimited mentorship sessions

50% of the price goes to supporting women in vulnerable conditions, either by providing access to the platform or through donations.

Graphic design - invitation background

Research & insights

As research showed, despite climate change is a global issue that affects everybody, its consequences, such as displacement, disease, poverty, health issues and sexual violence, weight more heavily on women and girls, exacerbating existing disparities.

Nevertheless, the connections between gender and climate change are not always readily apparent, often due to occurrences in remote locations or a scarcity of data and resources for analyzing how climate impacts could exacerbate gender disparities if left unaddressed.

Through my exploration and user interviews, I gathered 3 main insights that led me bring to life my next project: We need to talk - climare cocktails.

1 2 3

Understanding the intersection of gender and climate can initially be challenging, as the connections between these concepts may not be immediately apparent

There is an opportunity in understanding why we need to bridge the eco-gender gap and how women and are taking action in different fronts.

Recognizing the role of gender in climate change leads to a greater impact. We need not only women but also men sharing their perspectives. By challenging stereotypes and supporting women and other vulnerable groups, we can all contribute to ensuring a sustainable future.

The problem

The gender gap, climate inaction, and reflections on masculinity and men are fundamentally intertwined with how our systems function. The lack of awareness of these connections only exacerbates the problem. Addressing gender equality and climate action requires everyone's involvement in the conversation to foster allyship and drive meaningful change.

The solution

Who People who want to broaden their climate perspective through different lens. Women, men and non-binary people were welcome to explore together this intersection and expand their impact together.

What

Wow

A guided experience (exhibition and reception) to learn about gender and climate, challenge stereotypes and encourage participation.

A warm and fun experience to learn, listen, talk and discuss different points of views.

Design process

Typology

Venue

Cocktail reception + exhibition

Rooftop Long Island City

The format of the cocktail event played a pivotal role in fostering a warm environment where individuals felt encouraged to listen, learn, and share their own perspectives

Floor plan

How did it work?

A warm welcoming took place in the rooftop of a building located in Long Island City, where over 25 participants from different cultures, countries and genres gathered together to learn and talk about climate and gender.

Part I

The first part of this experience focused on a set of seven stations displaying facts, data, and keywords related to the intersection of women, gender, and climate. Attendees were encouraged to engage with the stations by highlighting words using stickers and writing down their thoughts, questions, disagreements, etc., on post-it notes as they read through the information

Part II

A second section, called Conversation Compass, was designed to foster dialogue in smaller groups using prompts. Men and women began to listen to different perspectives and discuss different scenarios.

Part III

To conclude the evening, attendees were invited to raise a toast to change, choose a sustainable cocktail, and commit to taking climate action.

Exhibition graphics

Propmt cards

Part I: Climate crossroads

Part II: Conversation compass

Part III: Toast to change

A curated menu bar featuring sustainable liquor brands and organic wines, including Gray Whale, Bar Hill, and Mijenta, alongside a list of actions to kickstart a climate journey.

Learnings

• Education is key to understand the missing link between women and climate

• A safe space is important to foster an open conversation and a sense of allyship

• Climate action feels more personal when all the intersections are understood

Green minds

An educational and gamification app designed for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, that aims to promote daily actions, climate literacy and optimism. Through interactive games, challenges, and immersive storytelling, the app offers a dynamic platform where learning about our planet becomes not just educational but irresistibly fun.

Research & insights

The context

To reshape the existing patriarchal frameworks governing gender and climate, and to foster the essential allyship for addressing the climate crisis, recognizing the influence of storytelling, education, and the involvement of younger generations at this intersection is crucial. Young people are actively challenging conventional gender roles and engaging with complex issues like climate change.

Yet, within this pursuit, they encounter specific challenges that hinder their thinking and actions in the environmental sphere.

The problem

of US Gen Zers consider climate change to be one of their biggest concerns

of young people (16 and 25 from 10 countries) said climate change had “negatively affected their daily life and functioning”

Despite that students and nearly 74% of Americans want climate change taught in schools, is still a political issue

To further understand these figures, I conducted a survey in partnership with the One World global classroom program involving 16 middle schoolers aged 12 to 14. The results showed that 65% of the students reported feeling concerned about climate change, 70% admitted to knowing little about it, and 50% cited a lack of time and support as the main reasons for not taking action

There is a disconnection between...

Concern Action

The lack of climate literacy, connections between causes and effects, and the sense of doomism, are affecting young people’s mental health and lifestyle.

The opportunity

Climate impact education

Gen Z needs better information about climate impact in order to change its habits.

Collective action and resilience

And motivation and guidance to feel that they are not alone in this journey. Many students say talking to loved ones or getting engaged in school or community initiatives has helped.

Global connectivity

Teenagers value global connectivity and the power of collective action through sharing experiences, stories, ideas, lifestyles, etc.

The solution

An educational and gamification app designed for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17, to foster collective action, climate literacy and optimism.

Main features

1. Daily missions:

• Interactive Lessons: Short, engaging lessons on various sustainability topics (recycling, energy conservation, sustainable eating, climate equality, etc) through games such as trivia, true or false, match up.

• Quizzes: to advance their level and earn more points

• Daily Eco-Tasks: Assigned daily tasks promoting sustainable habits (e.g., using a reusable water bottle, turning off lights when not in use). Completion of these tasks enables teenagers to earn more points.

2. Challenges: Teenagers would have the option to join different challenges based on their interests and their goals. They would also be able to propose new ones and invite their friends to vote for their idea. As they progress, they will receive encouraging messages And once the challenge is over, they will access an impact report l to visualize their contributions, l learn from peers, and obtain points and rewards that can be exchanged for sustainable products or services.

3. Rewards system:

• Badgets: 40+ badgets than give them more points and access to specific rewards

• Points Allocation: Assign points for each task based on its perceived impact on sustainability. More challenging or impactful tasks could offer more points.

• Verification Process: Implement a review system for submitted proofs to verify task completion before awarding points. This could be automated or manually reviewed for authenticity (photos in real time, daily log,etc)

• Reward Tier System: Develop a tiered rewards system where more significant actions or consistent task completion results in higher-value rewards, encouraging ongoing engagement.

4. Extra features: Goals setting at their own pace.

User testing

The user testing was also conducted in partnership with Global Classroom. Due to restrictions against using phones at the middle school, I printed out all the screens and conducted tests with four middle schoolers—two girls and two boys. All of them were excited about the idea of taking action and learning through challenges and games. Their favorite features were the challenges section and the impact report.

Looking forward

There was one project I couldn't include in this book due to time constraints. This fifth approach, crucial in the discussion on women and climate, aims to shift more capital towards women-led projects or initiatives, helping them navigate the complexities of initiating and funding their ideas. As I continue to develop as a designer, I'm committed to exploring solutions in this area.

Additionally, I value the power of education and collaboration and I am interested in further developing Green Minds and Steps. These solutions could potentially complement each other in future iterations.

Kiki, a middle schooler involved in user testing for Green Minds, exclaimed, 'It's time for a change!' and I couldn't agree more. At only 12 years old, she acknowledges the challenges ahead, but her conviction fueled my hope. Hope that I envisioned spreading forward as part of my designs and work.

I envisioned a world where women and men lead the climate fight together and build a sustainable a resliente future. To achieve this, it is crucial to be intentional in designing solutions, eliminating barriers, and fostering hope and awareness among the younger generations.

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