Summary of Norgaard and York’s Findings:
The logic is simple, as well as powerfully persuasive, in the argument constructed by Norgaard and York; the more women participate in politics, the more the Earth stands to benefit. In their study, Norgaard and York illustrate that countries that have a higher representation of women in government tend to have positive environmental policies and are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties. There is no such correlation by chance; it shows deeper social patterns. It is likely that women, perhaps due to socialization, agenda-setting, and direct contact with damage to the environment, place ecological concern far more than men do. As Norgaard and York observe, “countries with more women in parliament are substantially more likely to ratify environmental treaties” (2005, p. 508). This suggests that gender-based discrimination does not only hinder equality; it also serves to worsen the condition of the Earth. Norgaard and York place their analysis within the overall framework of ecofeminism, which seeks to interlink social and ecological issues.
New Zealand’s Environmental Leadership Under Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern did not hesitate to take radical steps on global warming the moment she stepped into office. She put a stop to new offshore drilling for oil, tightened the country’s climate policies, and placed it on the path to achieving carbon-neutral status by 2050. This is not just effective leadership, it is indicative of what Norgaard and York refer to. Their studies indicate that there is a greater tendency for stronger environmental policies to be made when women are in power. Ardern’s government confirms their theory: her policies undeniably support a sustainable environment, strengthening the concept that women in leadership roles take more initiative in environmental issues. As Norgaard and York poet, “Women in political office are at the forefront of advocacy for environmental protection” (2005, 510).
The European Green Deal and Women’s Leadership in the EU
The European Commission’s first female president, Ursula von der Leyen, has led the development of the European Green Deal aiming at making Europe climate neutral by 2050, one of the most ambitious climate plans in history. It is accompanied by severe carbon emission reductions, biodiversity loss prevention, and sustainable economies. Just like Norgaard and York suggest, this is yet another example of leadership in which women are on the political front: climate change mitigation becomes an important focus. Their study claims that ‘women’s participation in governance structures correlates with stronger commitments to sustainability measures’ (2005, p. 512). Von der Leyen’s work on the Green Deal illustrates exactly this.
Statistic for Website Addition:
An illustrative statistic that expresses Norgaard and York’s thesis differently is: “Ergas and York cite a 2019 study, which shows that nations having higher female parliamentary representation tend to ratify more environmental treaties and have better scores in environmental performance indices.” (Ergas & York, 2019)
I find this statistic to be powerful because it gives one clear impact on everything; when the government has more female leaders, the environment is given more attention. It further supports Norgaard and York’s argument that gender equity is not only in representation. It is also what matters to everybody, including the future. By including this statistic on the web page, we demonstrate the impact that women’s leadership can have in improving the environment.
Work Cite
“New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern Sets out Priorities: Climate, Inequality and Women.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 20 Oct. 2017, www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/20/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-priorities-climate-inequality-women-cannabis.
“The European Green Deal Sets out How to Make Europe the First Climate-Neutral Continent by 2050, Boosting the Economy, Improving People’s Health and Quality of Life, Caring for Nature, and Leaving No One Behind.” European Commission – European Commission, ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_19_6691. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.