Gender and Climate Change: How Climate Impacts Women & Girls Differently

Gender and climate change are strongly intertwined. They require a clear understanding for developing effective solutions. Also, because climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. It is an existential threat that is impacting individuals across boundaries and around the globe. 

When discussing climate change, many people often wonder why and how climate change is related to gender? Or how women are vulnerable to climate change? If these questions bother you, then you are in the right place.

In this blog post, you will learn the basic concepts of gender and climate change. The impact of climate change and the intersection between climate change and gender.

The Basic Concepts: Gender and Climate Change

Understanding Gender

The idea of gender is multiplexed because it encompasses more than just biological differences between men and women. There are social norms, gender roles, and societal expectations that influence the opportunities and behavior of women and men. 

In the context of climate change, it is important to note the following key aspects of gender:

• Social Roles: the way women and men are expected to behave in a society. For example, women in many cultures are often responsible for providing primary caregiver duties. While men are the breadwinners.
• Power Dynamics: refers to the gender relations that define the power structure in a society. Generally, the set patterns of power perpetuate systemic inequalities that limit women’s access to resources and decision-making. 

Understanding Climate Change

The long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures is known as climate change. In simple terms, this means that there are now more warm days in summer, or less rain, etc. 

This shift in temperature can be caused by natural activities such as volcanic eruptions or changes in the sun’s activity, commonly known as the “sunspot cycle” or the “solar cycle”.

However, the current climate change we are experiencing today is the result of human activities. This is mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and excess industrial activities that have increased greenhouse gas emissions. 

Impacts of Climate Change

The consequences of climate change are widespread. It impacts our social and economic activities and the environment we live in. Below, I have discussed some of the key impacts of climate change.

1. Temperature Increase

One of the visible impacts of climate change is the rise in temperatures. The average temperature of the Earth’s surface has risen by 1.1° Celsius or 1.9° Fahrenheit since 1880. 

This rise in temperature is linked with extreme weather events. For instance, in different regions, we are more likely to experience droughts, heat waves, and heavy rains or floods. The consequences of extreme weather will have a strong impact on biodiversity, agriculture, and human health.

2. Melting Ice Caps and Rising Sea Levels

The rise in global temperatures has resulted in melting ice and glaciers, which contributes to rising sea levels. This rise is a constant threat to coastal communities. 

By the end of 2100, the sea levels are expected to rise by 1 to 2 meters, which will result in the displacement of millions of people. This will impact differently on genders. For instance, men might migrate to urban areas in search of jobs. Leaving women behind to take care of children and elderly people.

3. Health Risks

Changing climate conditions pose significant health risks. The increase in temperature can damage the quality of the air, which can cause respiratory issues. Moreover, changing weather patterns can result in the outbreak of deadly diseases and pandemics. 

These conditions can negatively impact vulnerable communities (such as pregnant women) in both developed and developing countries. Whereas in developing areas, the lack of resources and access to healthcare facilities increases.

4. Food Security

Another significant impact of climate change is on agriculture and food. Extreme temperatures, such as heat waves and erratic rainfall patterns, can reduce the production of crops. This can lead to food shortages and higher prices, pushing more people into hunger. 

5. Water Scarcity

Many regions are experiencing water scarcity with heat waves and unpredictable rain patterns. Resources of freshwater are dwindling, resulting in drinking and agricultural water scarcity.

Sadly, things don’t stop here; fewer water resources will lead to mass migrations and conflicts in different regions. 

6. Damage to Infrastructure

Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, floods, hurricanes, etc, can severely damage the infrastructure. Rebuilding the damaged infrastructure means diverting and cutting resources from other critical issues, such as food, health, and education.

7. Economic Inequality

Climate change can negatively impact different industries and exacerbate economic inequalities. This can result in fewer economic activities, making poor people more vulnerable. 

Moreover, developing countries will face challenges in accommodating their vulnerable population. Low resources will also make it difficult for such societies to recover from climate-related disasters. 

Gendered Impacts of Climate Change

The impact of climate change is different on genders in various ways, often aggravating existing inequalities. Here’s how:

1. Economic Disparities

Women across the globe have less access to capital, financial resources, and employment opportunities. Moreover, women are mostly involved in agriculture, livestock, and informal economic activities. 

These roles make them susceptible to the impact of climate change. For instance, crop failures or loss of livestock can make their economic situation more vulnerable. 

2. Social Roles and Responsibilities

As discussed before, women are primarily responsible for managing household work in many societies. Hence, climate change can increase their responsibilities. For example, they might have to travel more to get fresh water, food, or other daily supplies. 

Such activities leave them with less time for paid work. Additional workload also limits their social and political activities. Whereas young girls face difficulties in pursuing education.

3. Health Risks

Climate change is also a significant threat to women’s health. They generally face challenges in accessing health facilities, and pregnant women become susceptible to heat waves and vector-borne diseases. With extreme weather and their role as primary caregivers, they are exposed to health risks.

4. Political Exclusion

Women around the world are less involved in political activities. They are also vastly underrepresented in decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels. 

Climate change not only increases their responsibilities but also reduces their chances to actively participate in policies that directly influence them.

5. Urban vs. Rural Divide 

Women living in rural and urban areas face different challenges. For instance, women in urban areas encounter pollution and a lack of infrastructure and facilities. Whereas rural women face resource scarcity.

Women in general are considered more vulnerable than men because they represent the majority of the world’s poor population.

Conclusion

Gender and climate change are deeply intertwined. It is a critical area that depicts the complexities and vulnerabilities in the face of a changing climate. By understanding the challenges faced by different genders, we can prioritize gender equality in climate action. This approach is also helpful in developing effective and inclusive solutions.

Moreover, it is also crucial to empower women and integrate their perspectives when developing climate strategies. This is essential to build resilient communities capable of transforming to the changing environment. We can create a sustainable future by inclusion, regardless of gender, race, class, and geography.