Women play a crucial in the overall well-being of their families, and by extension, society. The UN Women position paper on the post-2015 development agenda correctly notes, ‘women’s empowerment and gender equality have a catalytic effect on the achievement of human development, good governance, sustained peace, and harmonious dynamics between the environment and human populations.’

The greatest threat facing humanity today is climate change. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 recognizes the importance of gender equality and women empowerment, as it will lead to the achievement of the other SDGs, including climate action, responsible consumption and production, sustainable cities and communities and affordable and clean energy. Women are most vulnerable to climate change due to their socio-economic status. With 70% living in poverty, they are adversely affected by extreme weather events, loss of agricultural productivity, destruction of life and property, so on and so forth. But women also have the knowledge and understanding required to adapt to changing environmental circumstances and devise practical solutions. However, they remain a largely untapped resource due to existing biases, restricted land rights, lack of training and access to technological and financial resources. If climate change is to be solved, women can’t be left out.

Eco India, a joint venture between Scroll.in and DW, recently launched its 7th season, bringing to the forefront stories of Indian women being the torchbearers of sustainability in the most inspiring ways. Not only are these women striving for environmental protection, but also creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves and those around them. From driving awareness about key issues like waste management to protecting endangered species, women in several corners of the country are stepping up to fight climate change.

Here are some of the stories featured in Season 7 of Eco India:

1. While nature’s abode Dharamshala is a much sought-after tourist attraction, little is known about tourism’s negative consequences on Sudher, a village that became the dumping ground for Dharamshala’s waste. Realizing the severity of health issues arising out of the lack of sanitation and hygiene, a group of women took matters into their own hands to become advocates of proper waste management.

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2. Many know the Sunderbans for its mangroves and the ferocious Bengal tiger. Tragically, it is also home to the Tiger Widows – a band of close to 3000 women who lost their husbands to tiger attacks. Despite struggling to make ends meet while dealing with emotional trauma of losing their husbands, these women rallied together to protect the Sunderbans and bring back key mangrove species lost due to the devastating effects of climate change.

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Click here to watch more stories of from Eco India Season 7.