The intersection between climate change and gender equity will be the subject of this year’s Contemporary Issues in PRME (Principles of Responsible Management Education) Annual Lecture at The University of Western Australia’s Business School.

The lecture will be given by Independent Federal Member for Curtin and UWA alumna Kate Chaney, who was elected to parliament in 2022 on a platform of climate action and the environment.

Director of UN PRME at the Business School, Associate Professor Donella Caspersz, said while most people understood the climate change crisis, many didn’t realise the connection between climate change and gender.

“Analysis by the UN shows that the impacts of climate change and weather-related disasters amplify existing gender inequalities and threaten the livelihood, health and safety of women and girls,” Associate Professor Caspersz said. 

“But this isn’t just outside of Australia, with concerns about how disasters such as bushfires impact women’s financial stability, especially in rural areas in this country.”

Image: The lecture will be given by Independent Federal Member for Curtin and UWA alumna Kate Chaney.

Associate Professor Caspersz said research suggested frequent bushfires that led to the loss of homes and livelihoods exacerbated economic inequalities and had also been associated with an increasing risk of domestic violence. 

“These risk factors are compounded by a gender imbalance among women in policy and key leadership roles that can in turn create gender-inclusive solutions to the challenges," she said.

“We’re honoured to host Kate Chaney and look forward to her insights on creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

“The event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to attend and engage in this vital conversation.”

The free lecture is being held from 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday 1 October in the Wesfarmers Lecture Theatre at the UWA Business School and is also available online.

Registration is essential. For all the details see here.