Today, on World Environment Day, people around the world are coming together to advance solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future. But our research points to an urgent reality: the impacts of climate change are not experienced equally. Around the world, environmental shocks are disrupting livelihoods, limiting access to education and health care, increasing displacement, and deepening existing inequalities – particularly for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people.  

To mark World Environment Day, Rise Up Together is proud to release our new report, Lessons at the Intersection of Climate and Gender.   

Drawing on insights from more than 530 civil society organizations and movement leaders across Africa, South Asia, the United States, and beyond, this report explores a critical reality: climate change is not simply an environmental issue. It is reshaping livelihoods, education, health, and economic opportunity – and its impacts are deeply gendered. 

Our findings point to several critical realities: 

• Climate change is disrupting livelihoods, education, health, and economic opportunity – with women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people disproportionately impacted. 

• Grassroots and community-based organizations are already advancing solutions, yet many remain underfunded and excluded from decision-making spaces. 

• Stronger coordination, investment, and support for local leadership will be essential to advancing climate solutions 

At the same time, these findings offer a powerful message of hope. Across regions, local leaders are building resilience, restoring ecosystems, strengthening food systems, expanding economic opportunity, and advocating for systems-level policy change. Communities are not waiting for solutions – they are already creating them. 

The challenge is ensuring that these efforts have the resources, partnerships, and influence needed to reach their full potential. 

The report outlines recommendations for funders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and intermediary organizations to help strengthen the climate justice ecosystem and accelerate locally led, gender-responsive action. 

As climate change continues to shape communities around the world, the path forward must center the people closest to both the challenges and the solutions. 

Read the full report and explore what local leaders are teaching us about climate justice, gender equity, and community-led change.