Women Bear the Brunt of Climate Disasters: Why Gender Matters in Climate Change
Climate change doesn't just affect our environment; it deepens existing social inequalities, with women and gender-diverse people bearing the brunt. Research shows women are 14 times more likely to die in climate-related disasters than men and constitute 80% of those displaced by extreme weather. These statistics underscore a critical, often overlooked issue: climate change is inherently gendered.
The Gender Disparity in Climate Impact
Women face unique challenges during environmental crises due to pre-existing social and economic disadvantages. They often take on caregiving roles, which increase their vulnerability. For instance, during disasters, women caring for children and the elderly are more at risk of death or displacement. Additionally, studies highlight that maternal and perinatal health, along with the health of older women, is severely impacted by climate hazards such as extreme heat.
Gender-Based Violence and Housing Insecurity
Disturbingly, gender-based violence spikes during and after disasters. Yet, this issue is not comprehensively addressed by policymakers. The impact of climate change on housing is also gendered. By 2030, many Australian properties will be “high-risk” and uninsurable, affecting women's food security and shelter stability. Between 2016 and 2021, women's homelessness increased significantly more than men’s, exacerbating the housing crisis.
Women as Leaders in Climate Action
Despite these challenges, women are not just victims; they are crucial leaders in climate action. Research shows that gender-diverse leadership results in more effective and equitable climate policies. Women in politics and policy-making drive stronger climate action, yet they remain underrepresented. For instance, at the COP28 climate talks, only 15 out of 140 speakers were women.
Building Resilience and Inclusivity
Women also play vital roles in disaster recovery by maintaining community networks of care. Recognizing and supporting these roles is essential for community resilience. Furthermore, increasing gender diversity in industries, particularly renewable energy, enhances environmental outcomes. Companies with more women in leadership show better climate governance and innovation.
Moving Forward
To tackle climate change effectively, we must address the gendered impacts. This includes implementing policies that recognize women's vulnerabilities and contributions. As Australia aims to host the COP31 conference, demonstrating a commitment to gender inclusivity in climate action is imperative.
When we think of climate and environmental issues such as climate-linked disasters or biodiversity loss, gender often seems irrelevant. However, evidence shows that women and gender-diverse people are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change and its consequences. Women are 14 times more likely to die in climate change-related disasters than men and represent 80% of those displaced by extreme weather.
Extreme weather events exploit existing social faultlines, exacerbating the impacts on socially marginalized groups. Women, already experiencing social and economic disadvantages, are acutely impacted. They also tend to care for vulnerable groups, increasing their own risk during disasters. Studies show maternal and perinatal health, as well as the health of older women, are significantly affected by climate change hazards.
Gender-based violence increases during and after disasters, yet policymakers and service providers have not fully addressed this issue. The impact of climate change on housing and living is also gendered, with rising costs and homelessness disproportionately affecting women. Research indicates that gender-diverse leadership brings crucial perspectives and more effective approaches to tackling climate issues. Despite this, women are underrepresented in leadership roles in politics, policy-making, and renewable energy industries.
FAQs
Q: Why are women more likely to die in climate disasters than men? A: Women often have pre-existing social and economic disadvantages and tend to take on caregiving roles, making them more vulnerable during disasters.
Q: How does climate change affect women’s health? A: Maternal and perinatal health, as well as the health of older women, are particularly impacted by climate hazards like extreme heat.
Q: What role do women play in disaster recovery? A: Women often take on emotional and relational roles, sustaining local networks of care that are crucial for community resilience during disasters.
Q: How does gender diversity in leadership affect climate action? A: Gender-diverse leadership results in more effective and equitable approaches, stronger climate policies, and better environmental governance.
Q: What can be done to address the gendered impact of climate change? A: Targeted policy responses recognizing this vulnerability are needed, along with increasing gender diversity in leadership and supporting women’s roles in disaster recovery.
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