Climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally. Marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South, bear the brunt of its impacts, and within these communities, women often suffer disproportionately. This intersection of ecological and gendered asymmetries means that the most vulnerable populations are also the least equipped to cope with climate-induced displacement.

Unequal Risks and Vulnerabilities

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that non-climatic factors such as poverty, inequality, and conflict exacerbate the risks associated with climate change. These risks are particularly pronounced in regions like the Asia-Pacific. Between 2010 and 2021, this region accounted for nearly 80% of the world’s climate-induced displacements, with 225.3 million people forced to leave their homes. Women, especially those in rural areas, are among the most affected.

In many of these regions, women’s livelihoods are closely tied to natural resources, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. For instance, in places like the Marshall Islands, prolonged droughts have made it difficult for women to perform essential tasks such as cooking and fetching water. This strain on resources often leads to heightened insecurity and increased instances of gender-based violence.

Gender Norms and Climate Change

Gender norms further worsen these challenges. In many cultures, women are responsible for securing essentials like water, food, and energy. Climate change disrupts these roles by making resources scarcer and harder to access. In Chuuk, for example, young girls who traditionally collect water from wells must now walk greater distances due to drought, increasing their risk of assault. As climate change intensifies, these gendered responsibilities become more dangerous and less sustainable, leading to physical and ontological insecurity for women.

The burden on women doesn’t end with daily survival tasks. As crop yields decline due to reduced soil fertility and erosion, women are often tasked with additional labour to compensate for the loss. This increased workload comes with no additional resources or support, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

The Broader Impact of Ecological and Gendered Asymmetries

The impact of these asymmetries extends beyond individual hardships. In Vanuatu, after Cyclones Vania and Atu struck in 2011, reports of gender-based violence increased by 300%. This spike in violence highlights the broader social breakdown that can occur when ecological and gendered vulnerabilities intersect. Women and children are also 14 times more likely to die in disasters due to existing socio-economic structures that leave them less prepared and more exposed to risks.

Men are not immune to these changes, either. As traditional male roles become harder to fulfil due to environmental degradation, some men turn to alcohol to cope with the stress, further perpetuating cycles of violence and instability. The phenomenon of “disaster fathering,” where men are left as single parents after mothers die in climate-related disasters, is another tragic outcome, forcing men into caregiving roles they may be unprepared for.

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Addressing the Asymmetries in Climate-Induced Displacement

Addressing these ecological and gendered asymmetries requires a holistic approach. Legal protections for climate refugees must account for gender as an organizing principle, not just a variable. This means recognizing how climate change disproportionately affects women and implementing policies that mitigate these impacts.

For instance, relocation programs should ensure that women have access to land and resources in their new environments to prevent further marginalization. Disaster response strategies must also incorporate gender-sensitive approaches to reduce the risks of violence and exploitation. Empowering women through education and economic opportunities can also help break the cycle of vulnerability and enable more resilient communities.

A Call to Action

The international community must recognize that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a social justice issue. The failure to address the intersection of ecological and gendered asymmetries in climate-induced displacement perpetuates existing inequalities and leaves millions of people vulnerable to violence, poverty, and death.

As we continue to confront the realities of climate change, it’s crucial that we develop policies and legal frameworks that protect those most at risk. This means advocating for the recognition of climate refugees and ensuring that gender considerations are central to all climate-related interventions. By doing so, we can begin to address the deep-rooted inequalities that make climate change a crisis of justice as much as it is a crisis of survival.

Also Read: Climate Change Is A Fact: Understanding Its Impact And Global Response