NAME
Annika Degen
TITLE
Founder & Host, Gender & Climate
LOCATION
Berlin, Germany
ABOUT
Annika Degen is the creator and host of the podcast Gender & Climate, which explores the critical intersection between gender inequality and climate change.
Launched in 2021, the podcast provides a platform for conversations often missing from mainstream climate discussions. Featuring a diverse range of voices – from scientists and policymakers to grassroots activists – the podcast highlights how gender influences the way individuals and communities experience and respond to climate impacts.
50 episodes have so far been released, with each introducing unique perspectives, from local activists tackling water scarcity to experts in feminist economics and innovative topics like Orange Bonds, a financial tool advancing gender equity through sustainable investment.
MOTIVATIONS
“From an early age, my family instilled in me a deep love for nature. They taught me to appreciate the beauty of nature, and to respect its delicate balance. To see how we are recklessly destroying the planet’s resources fills me with an unbearable sense of urgency and frustration. We are capable of doing so much better — I genuinely believe that. Our wastefulness, our disregard for the environment, is something we can and must change.
Adding to that, we live in a world predominantly built by men, for men. This has led to a stark imbalance where men hold most of the decision-making power, while the voices of women and LGBTQIA+ — more than half of the world’s population – are too often left out. The impact of this exclusion is not just unfair; it is profoundly damaging. The climate crisis affects everyone, but not equally — women and marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted. In a nutshell: Our environmental crisis is deeply intertwined with social inequities, particularly gender inequality.
Studies show that women are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and to support policies that protect the environment. When women are included in leadership and decision-making roles, communities are more resilient, and environmental outcomes improve. Yet, patriarchal structures continue to dominate, hindering our ability to effectively address the climate crisis. Women, who are already bearing the brunt of violence, oppression, and systemic inequality, are left to face the harshest impacts of a changing climate. This injustice fuels my determination to fight for change and a more equal world.
Learning about this scientific connection between climate change and gender inequality was a turning point for me. I always thought these were two different battles to fight, but realizing that both of these crises are deeply linked was an eye-opening moment for me: addressing climate change requires us to address gender inequality at the same time. It’s not either or, but it is also. As soon as I realised that link I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I wrote my master’s thesis on this topic, and when I couldn’t find a job that would allow me to continue this work, I decided to create my own opportunity. That’s how the podcast was born. I wanted to create a platform for these crucial conversations, to amplify voices that are often unheard, and to push for the change I know is possible.
IMPACTS
Before
Before the launch of Gender & Climate, there was a notable lack of accessible platforms that addressed the intersection of gender and climate change. Discussions in climate circles rarely incorporated the gendered impacts of environmental issues, leaving the topic relatively unknown to the broader public.
After
CHALLENGES
One of the main challenges Annika faced was reaching a broad audience and maintaining momentum. The podcast initially struggled to gain visibility beyond the climate and gender advocacy circles. However, by leveraging LinkedIn and encouraging guests to share episodes within their networks, the podcast began to reach a wider audience. Another challenge was time management, as Annika balanced the podcast with a full-time job.
GOALS
“The podcast is just the beginning, a solid foundation for everything that comes next. So far, it has been about communicating the issues at the intersection of gender and climate. But my vision goes beyond awareness: I want to turn these insights into action. To achieve this, I plan to expand in two key areas: building a community and consulting services. The topic is vast and complex, and none of us will save the world alone. If that was simple, we would have done it already.
The podcast dives deeply into individual topics, which is fantastic for those already familiar with these issues. However, I also want to approach things from a broader perspective, making the topics accessible and bringing the solutions into action. To achieve this, I also want to deliver speeches and keynotes on the interconnections and cycles we see in our world. Everything is interconnected – we need to break the vicious cycles and instead create a virtuous cycle, where positive actions lead to more positive outcomes in a ripple effect. Sharing these messages globally, and inspiring action, will be a critical part of my next steps.
Additionally, I see the potential to write a book that draws from the podcast’s content and outlines tangible steps for progress. We know what needs to be done. In my view, the time for talk is over; now is the time for action. Through these different avenues — consulting, community-building, public speaking, and potentially a book — I hope to bring the Gender & Climate mission from conversation to impactful, tangible change.”
ANNIKA’S ADVICE
“The world is vast and complex. No one can save it alone. Even knowing what needs to be done, there are many external factors beyond our individual control. The only way to create lasting change is to work together and recognize our interdependence. It is crucial to remember that you are not alone in this fight — there is a whole community of people who share your goals and values. You are not alone!
There will be hard times — sometimes it’s mental exhaustion or feeling overwhelmed. During these moments, take care of yourself, nurture your strength, and when you’re ready, come back with all your energy and keep pushing forward. Just don’t give up, because the world needs you.
Give what you can, because you have a lot to offer, even if you don’t always realize it. And don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. As I said, only together can we create the changes we need. We are in this together, and the only way forward is to support one another in making the world a better place.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Gender & Climate podcast is pioneering important conversations about the intersection of gender and climate change. Here’s how you can support Annika:
CONTACT
Meet Neal Spackman, a regenerative development visionary bringing transformative change to degraded landscapes and communities worldwide.
Through projects like the Al Baydha Project and Regenerative Seawater Agriculture (RSA), Neal is breathing life back into ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Meet Gator Halpern, Co-founder and President of Coral Vita, who’s scaling coral restoration to combat ocean warming. By cultivating resilient corals in high-tech farms, Coral Vita restores damaged reefs in the Bahamas and beyond, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local economies.
Meet Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, whose work is transforming how sports and culture can contribute to a more sustainable world. As the environmental adviser to the New York Yankees, NBA, and Broadway, Allen is helping iconic institutions engage millions in the climate conversation, setting new standards for environmental action in these influential spaces.
Meet Rajesh Shah, Managing Trustee of VIKAS Centre for Development, championing community-led climate resilience through the Great Green Wall of Gujarat. Rajesh’s initiative empowers marginalized communities to restore coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods.
