There isn’t one solution developed by one type of person in one organisation to tackle climate change. It will take the collective minds, ambition, and actions of a diverse group of people around the world. Especially women and girls.
In London, the effects of climate change are no longer distant threats they are already part of daily life. Record-breaking heatwaves, overwhelmed hospitals, and stretched public services have exposed how vulnerable communities, particularly low-income families, pregnant women, and young girls, are disproportionately affected. For many girls, extreme weather can disrupt school attendance, add domestic responsibilities, or exacerbate stress and anxiety.
Across the world, these challenges are magnified. Women and girls face heightened risks from food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement, and gender-based violence. By 2050, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty. That’s 16 million more than men and boys.
Women are more likely to be responsible for securing food, water, and fuel for their families, and when these resources become scarce, they must work harder and travel farther. Girls often leave school to help, limiting their future opportunities. And yet, women are also key to climate solutions. As farmers, educators, caregivers, and community leaders, they bring unique knowledge and resilience—sometimes achieving more than the potential impact of technical solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, or electric vehicles.
Yet, research from Project Drawdown also shows the power of women and girls to be part of the solution: educating girls and ensuring access to family planning could reduce global carbon emissions by nearly 70% which is more than many technological fixes combined.
Baytree’s Approach to Climate Action
At The Baytree Centre, we believe that local action, guided by women and girls, can make a tangible difference. By combining education, empowerment, and community engagement, we help young women turn awareness into action.
STEM Programme: Educating the Climate Leaders of Tomorrow
Baytree’s STEM Programme introduces girls to science, technology, engineering, and maths, fields still dominated by men but critical to addressing climate challenges. Through hands-on workshops, mentoring, and real-world applications, girls explore careers in environmental science, green engineering, and sustainable innovation. These opportunities build skills, confidence, and a sense of agency, showing that the next generation of climate leaders can come from any background.
Gardening Programme: Action Through Nature
Our gardening programme offers a more immediate, practical way for families to engage with sustainability. Mothers and daughters grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers, creating green spaces that clean the air, reduce carbon, and enhance wellbeing. These sessions nurture intergenerational learning, strengthen community bonds, and show that everyday actions, like composting or growing food, can have meaningful environmental impact. We cultivate a sense of community rooted in care for the environment.
Small Changes, Big Impact
At Baytree, we practice saving both economic and environmental because we know small changes add up to generate real impact over time. Simple acts, from meal planning to growing your own food, empower families to take responsibility while creating meaningful change for the planet.
Even simple lifestyle choices can contribute to climate solutions. Planning meals and making creative use of leftovers to reducing food waste and shifting toward plant-rich diets are easy strategies with measurable effects: swapping out a cheeseburger occasionally for a vegetarian alternative can reduce climate impact by 98%; even choosing a chicken burger can reduce the climate impact by almost 90%. At Baytree, we encourage families to practice sustainable habits that save money, build skills, and benefit the planet.
Climate change is a multifaceted problem, and so are the solutions, but they don’t have to be abstract or distant. By teaching girls practical skills, nurturing confidence, and fostering community, Baytree empowers women and girls to act locally while thinking globally. Whether a girl discovers her passion for STEM or a mother and daughter harvest their first homegrown radishes, these moments create ripple effects through families, communities, and generations.
Help Baytree to Scale its Impact
You can support Baytree’s climate work in three key ways:
- Donate through a single, monthly or annual donation or via 1% for the Planet if your company is a registered partner
- Volunteer – come and support our programmes, use your skills to make a difference to women and girls
- Share this blog with your network and help inspire action
This blog post was authored by our supporters at, Climate Impact Partners
