Effects of Climate Change on Women—Adaptation and Mitigation

Abstract

Earth is undergoing inevitable changes in its climate due to many natural and man-made activities as the temperatures are rising, freshwater resources are drying up, biodiversity is decreasing and natural disasters are increasing. Women, forming a major portion of the world poor and having less education and resources to manage climate risks, are more vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change as compared to men. Due to many social, cultural and religious norms restricting the mobility of women, women are greatly affected by climate-induced agricultural and biodiversity losses, climate-related wars, natural disasters and migrations. Despite of having close relationship with environment and natural resources, women’s representation in climate decisions is very less and their role is seldom appreciated. The current study sheds light on different scenarios of climate change including agriculture, biodiversity, water, natural disasters, wars, migration, pollution, health and sanitation, education, disempowerment, security, social and psychological effects and human rights in relation to women’s vulnerability to it. It also discusses the mitigation measures to reduce the effects of climate change on women.