Weather presenter set to shine light on climate inequality
National TV weather presenter Laura Tobin will host a debate on how women are unequally affected by climate change held at the University of Bradford.
Laura will also be part of an expert panel of scientists, industry experts, academics and activists at ‘Climate Justice for Women’, on Thursday 6 November.
Event host and panellist Laura Tobin, TV weather presenter and meteorologist. Images credit: University of Bradford
They will discuss why women make up less than a quarter of leadership positions in climate policymaking and call for female voices to be heard more on the subject. Event attendees can share their own experiences, join the conversation and help shape further the University’s further research in the field.
Laura said: “Climate change is happening here and now, more extreme weather events happening more frequently.
“Climate change doesn’t discriminate but often women can be more disproportionately impacted and it’s really important to look at the very important role women have in helping to tackle the climate crisis.”
Dr Pedi Obani, whose research has inspired the event. Images credit: University of Bradford
The free event is based on the research of panellist Dr Pedi Obani, Associate Professor in the University’s School of Law and Social Sciences. In 2024, she was awarded £1.28 million for a four-year project to examine ways in which climate change adversely impacts women and is creating a framework for addressing these problems.
Dr Obani said: “Climate change worsens environmental degradation, poverty, and overall quality of life in many parts of the world. Women also disproportionately bear the resulting complex burdens, have less access to livelihood resources, and are underrepresented in the governance systems.”
More on ‘Climate Justice for Women’
The event begins with the Climate Justice Hub, held from 12:00 to 13:00, including interactive activities where participants can learn about, and contribute to, Dr Obani’s research and be part of an international movement to promote inclusive frameworks and approaches for climate justice. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences of climate change through art including placard making.
The panel discussion, between 13:00 and 14:30, will see panellists discuss climate justice issues, with attendees invited to join the debate.
‘Climate Justice for Women’ panellists
Laura Tobin is a TV weather presenter, meteorologist and author who raises awareness about the effects of climate change and promotes the message of going green.
Climate justice activist and digital campaigner Eddy Quekett’s work has a focus on queer liberation and climate justice.
Marta Calore, a Just Transition Analyst at the Climate Change Committee, is responsible for analysing the impacts of the transition to net zero on households to advise the Government on inclusive policies.
Varaidzo (Vee) Kativhu is a British-Zimbabwean education activist, author and global speaker, widely recognised for her work in education access, youth empowerment and gender equality.
Vee was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in 2024 in recognition of the impact she has made to the inclusion of underrepresented groups in higher education.
Panellist and University of Bradford honorary graduate Varaidzo (Vee) Kativhu. Images credit: University of Bradford
She said: “As a girls’ education activist, it is impossible to discuss education policy, systems change or female empowerment without discussing climate change; we have to keep all of the connections tight in order to move the needle in the global issues we face.”
As Climate Change & Energy Manager at the Environment Agency, Mark Ellis-Jones leads a team focused on enabling UK net zero through regulation.
The event is being held in the run-up to the Conference of the Parties (COP30), the largest global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change, in Brazil from 10 to 21 November.
Dr Obani’s work
‘Climate Justice for Women’ will contribute to the interdisciplinary UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship research project, Gender Inclusive Climate Change Governance (GENCGOV), led by Dr Obani, which aims to shape a new framework for addressing challenges, such as increasing women’s representation at the highest levels of decision-making on climate change.
GENCGOV provides evidence to improve our understanding of women’s experiences of climate change impacts, factors affecting women’s experiences, and opportunities for enhancing women’s access to climate justice, using legal analysis and artistic expressions.
Dr Obani’s research findings will be presented to governments in several countries including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.
‘Climate Justice for Women’ is part of the University’s Bradford 2025 programme, which sees research from the University come to life and celebrate the things that are important to our communities and city.
Go to bradford.ac.uk/events/climate-justice-for-women to book a place.
This event supports the University of Bradford’s strategy by tackling inequality, promoting inclusive research, and driving real-world impact. It highlights how our research empowers underrepresented voices and contributes to global solutions, core to our mission of making knowledge work for all.
Different is what we do
UNEQUAL – we’re calling out inequality and making changes
Climate Justice for Women’ and Dr Obani’s research to make sure those most affected by climate change have their voices heard are some of the ways the University of Bradford is calling out inequality and making changes. Other ways include sharing best practice about the importance of representation and diversity in marketing. Find out more on our website