Renewable energy towards ensuring women employment : mediating and moderating role of climate change vulnerability

Abstract

The shift to renewable energy is not just about saving the planet; it is also a huge opportunity to help women thrive, yet the literature has not fully explored this connection. This paper examines the relationship between renewable energy, climate change risks, and women's employment, highlighting the challenges women often face due to energy shortages and climate change. Using data from 139 countries between 2000 and 2023, our study demonstrates that renewable energy consistently enhances women's employment, particularly in countries where a significant proportion of women are already in the workforce. The findings of this study indicate that renewable energy is a positive factor in mitigating climate-related burdens. Climate change worsens the opportunity for women to secure employment, while renewable energy is found to serve as a safety net (positive impact of renewable energy on women's jobs). This study's findings demonstrate that renewable energy can empower women economically and make them more resilient to the effects of climate change. Current and future policies need to show a gender-responsive nature in addressing climate change, giving women a fair and sustainable opportunity.

HIGHLIGHTS • The effect of renewable energy on women employment is examined. • The method of moments quantile regression and partially linear functional-coefficient models are applied. • The enhancement of renewable energy causes a rise in women employment. • Climate change vulnerability curbs women employment when it mediates and moderates the relationship.