The Council adopted the conclusions on gender equality and the environment based on a report of the European Institute for gender equality.

Today's and tomorrow's environmental policy is intimately bound up with the economy. As research undertaken by the gender institute shows, much more has to be done so that women can use their talents in the so-called STEM fields, i.e science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Both women and men must be allowed a say in environmental decision-making, especially in the context of climate change policy. And this is all related to the broader issue of the emerging green economy, a sector that is vital for employment and growth.

Both women and men should be able to contribute to the development of the green economy.

The conclusions include a set of indicators for measuring progress in improving gender equality in decision-making at all levels of climate change decision making and in the relevant educational fields.