Sisters on the Planet campaign pushes for tougher targets
By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor
WHEN THE weather turns bad, it's the women that suffer. That, in essence, is the message of a new campaign being launched by Oxfam. The international aid agency is highlighting how women around the world are hardest hit by storms, floods and droughts caused by global warming. And it is stepping up pressure on the Scottish government to agree on tough targets to cut the pollution causing the problems.
Women's Role in Food Production
Women produce most of the food in developing countries. As agricultural workers and family providers, they are responsible for up to 80% of household food production in sub-Saharan Africa and 65% in Asia. "Because women tend to be poorer, and more immediately dependent on the natural environment for their livelihoods, they are more vulnerable to economic shocks and natural disasters," said Oxfam Scotland's campaign manager, Eilidh Whiteford. "Climate-related changes exacerbate existing inequalities. It's a timely reminder that we can't separate environmental concerns from the bigger economic and social picture."
Oxfam's Sisters on the Planet Campaign
Oxfam's campaign Sisters on the Planet features online videos of women working to combat climate change in Uganda, Bangladesh, and Brazil. After the "feeble" response of the G8 leaders in Japan last week, it was even more important for Scotland to take a lead, Whiteford argued. "A strong Scottish climate bill is not just about Scotland playing its part, it's also about raising the bar for other governments."
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland
Oxfam is a member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, a coalition of more than 30 environment, development, faith, community and other groups with at least 1.5 million supporters. It is pressing ministers to introduce annual targets to cut pollution in the forthcoming climate change bill. Gavin McLellan, head of Christian Aid Scotland, agreed women were more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
"In many rural areas women make up 70% of the workforce, working on land already affected by drought and changing weather conditions," he said. "These are real people suffering now, which is why the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition wants to see rigorously enforced interim targets in the Scottish climate bill, to ensure we really do arrive at its ambitious target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050."
Hotels and Climate Change
While the focus of the Sisters on the Planet campaign is on the impact of climate change on women in developing countries, it is important to recognize the role that various industries play in contributing to global warming. One such industry that has a significant environmental footprint is the hotel industry.
The Carbon Footprint of Hotels
Hotels consume vast amounts of energy and produce a significant amount of carbon emissions. From heating and cooling systems to the use of water, electricity, and other resources, hotels have a considerable impact on the environment. Additionally, the transportation sector associated with hotel operations, such as flights, transfers, and guest transportation, also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry
Recognizing the need for change, many hotels around the world have started adopting sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes implementing energy-efficient technologies, utilizing renewable energy sources, enhancing waste management systems, promoting water conservation, and adopting eco-friendly building designs. Additionally, hotels are also focusing on offering locally sourced organic food and promoting responsible tourism practices.
The Role of Consumers
As consumers, we also have a role to play in supporting sustainable hotels. By making conscious choices and selecting hotels that prioritize environmental responsibility, we can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the hotel industry. This can involve opting for eco-certified accommodations, minimizing energy and water consumption during our stay, and supporting local communities and businesses.
By promoting sustainable practices and holding the hotel industry accountable for its impact on the environment, we can work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
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