Scottish Sunday

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Why Climate Change Affects Women More Than Men

Introduction

When the e-mail dropped into Charlie Silverton’s inbox he must have known instantly that it was the kind of message entrepreneurs dream of, the kind that can change lives. A follow-up phone call confirmed it: Silverton could be rich. Very rich. The company, which builds drone spy planes for Nasa and the US military, wanted to buy Silverton’s young business.

The Problem With Wind Turbines

Silverton is, along with David Anderson, the founder of Renewable Devices, an Edinburgh-based manufacturer of micro wind turbines designed to fit on a roof and power individual houses. The American army has little interest in the turbines; what they wanted was a little plastic ring around the outside of the turbine blades. Silverton and Anderson had solved one of the biggest problems in turbine manufacture, and the world’s biggest army wanted their solution.

“The problem with wind turbines is that they make a lot of noise. If you want to put one on your house that is a problem,” says Silverton. “The blades are rotating at up to 1000 times a minute. We tried some mini turbines and it makes as much noise as an outboard engine or a lawnmower. You couldn’t work in the room below it.”

Far bigger companies than Renewable Devices have tried and failed to solve the problem, but a plastic ring around the edge of the blades configured to guide the air in a particular way rendered the turbine almost silent. It is that silence that interested the drone builder.

The Ethical Decision

As with all major decisions, Silverton and Anderson took the issue to the staff. The company is run on a consensus basis and the owners are just two votes among 20. “There are people here from all kinds of businesses, engineers from the nuclear industry or from arms, and two who built bikes,” says Silverton. “They said that they didn’t want to go back to that kind of life.”

Another major influence on the decision, says Silverton, was ethics. “We wanted to do something good. It is quite difficult as an engineer to look back at the end of your career and say ‘everything I did was good’.”

Current Progress and Future Plans

Renewable Devices has £9.2 million worth of orders on its books but since it assembles its own machines and sources most parts locally, its production has been unable to keep up with demand. It made just under 200 machines in the past year, says Silverton, but will make 2000 next year. Silverton aims to get production up to 500 machines a month.

The company’s revenue this year was £500,000, and Silverton is aiming to increase that to £2m next year. Its £20,000 in profits were reinvested in tools and production, he says. “We put it into tooling so that we could get the cost of turbines down. We started this company to make renewable energy accessible, so we want to get these down to a cost of £1500, supplied and fitted.”

The turbines provide around a third of a household’s energy, what Silverton calls “base power”. “We don’t want to produce all the electricity because a lot of that energy would be wasted if not used straight away,” he says.

The turbines themselves have generated interest from more conventional companies such as Japan’s Hitochu, but Silverton and Anderson are not for selling. “It’s fun, and we provide a living for our staff and provide business to local companies,” says Silverton. Other jobs taken on by the company on a consultancy basis include taking the heat from the penguin enclosure and sending it to the hippopotamus area of Edinburgh Zoo. “Hopefully we do some good,” says Silverton.

The Impact of Climate Change on Women

Climate change is a global crisis that affects every individual on the planet, but an often overlooked aspect is its disproportionate impact on women. Various studies and reports have highlighted that women bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change in multiple ways:

1. Disproportionate vulnerability

Women, particularly those living in developing countries, are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to socioeconomic factors and cultural norms. Limited access to resources, lack of education, and restricted decision-making power often exacerbate the challenges faced by women in the face of environmental changes.

2. Food security and agriculture

As agricultural activities are heavily reliant on climate patterns, changes in weather patterns and an increase in extreme events like droughts and floods directly affect food production. Approximately 70% of the world's poorest people who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods are women. Climate change disrupts their ability to grow and access food, further worsening food insecurity and malnutrition.

3. Water and sanitation

Women are usually responsible for collecting water and managing household water resources. With climate change leading to water scarcity, more time and effort are required to fetch water from distant sources, leaving less time for education, economic activities, and personal development. Inadequate sanitation facilities also pose additional risks to women's health and safety.

4. Health and wellbeing

Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, which tend to affect women and children disproportionately. Women's reproductive health is also affected by climate change, with increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth in regions prone to extreme weather events.

The Role of Hotels in Combating Climate Change

While individuals and organizations must collectively address climate change, the hospitality industry, particularly hotels, can play a significant role in mitigating its impact. Here are some steps hotels can take:

1. Energy efficiency and conservation

Implementing energy-saving measures such as using LED lighting, installing efficient HVAC systems, and promoting energy conservation practices throughout the hotel can significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

2. Renewable energy adoption

Hotels can invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines to generate cleaner and sustainable power. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, hotels can decrease their carbon footprint.

3. Water conservation

Implementing water-saving practices, such as efficient plumbing fixtures, linen reuse programs, and guest awareness campaigns, can help reduce water consumption and promote responsible water management.

4. Waste management and recycling

Hotels should prioritize waste reduction and recycling initiatives by implementing recycling programs, composting organic waste, and reducing single-use plastics. Responsible waste management can greatly contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Sustainable procurement

Hotels can support sustainable practices by sourcing local and organic produce, using eco-friendly cleaning products, and selecting suppliers with environmentally conscious practices. Encouraging sustainable tourism initiatives also benefits local communities and ecosystems.

6. Guest education and engagement

Hotels can raise awareness among guests about sustainable practices and the importance of responsible travel. Providing information on local environmental attractions, promoting eco-friendly transportation options, and involving guests in conservation activities create a more environmentally conscious travel experience.

Conclusion

Climate change has wide-ranging implications, and its impact on women should not be underestimated. Addressing the disparities and promoting gender equality in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts is crucial. Additionally, the hospitality industry, including hotels, must take proactive steps to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices. By collectively working towards a more sustainable future, we can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and create a better world for everyone.

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