The climate crisis is not gender neutral

Context:

The impact of climate change on women's health and well-being, as well as the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into climate action plans, has gained prominence in recent discussions.

Disproportionate Health Risks:

• Gender impact of climate-related events: Women and girls face disproportionately high health risks due to climate change, particularly in impoverished situations and influenced by existing cultural norms. Women and children are significantly more likely than men to die in disasters, emphasizing the gendered impact of climate-related events.
• Food insecurity: Climate-driven factors such as crop yield reductions exacerbate food insecurity, leading to adverse health outcomes for women, especially those in rural areas who heavily depend on agriculture for livelihoods.
• Impact on physical health: Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, further endanger vulnerable groups like pregnant women, young children, and the elderly, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate health risks.

Empowering Women in Climate Action:

• Gender-sensitive approaches in climate action are essential for ensuring the effectiveness and inclusivity of mitigation and adaptation measures.
• Empowering women with access to resources and decision-making roles can lead to better climate solutions, increased agricultural yields, and enhanced community resilience.
• Local-level interventions, driven by women collectives and participatory approaches, can facilitate innovative solutions to climate challenges and contribute to sustainable development goals.