Climate change, caused by human activity, brings greater risk to all life on earth. Every year, rising average temperatures increase the probability of storms, floods and droughts becoming more severe, destroying homes, livelihoods and local economies, as well as displacing people. Women and children bear much of the burden of these changes. In November 2017, a first ever Gender Action Plan (GAP) was adopted, putting gender firmly on the agenda in the global climate negotiations.

The fact sheet Closing the gap on gender and climate policy highlights the importance of the GAP and presents examples of activities that contribute to the fulfilment of the action plan.