The Silent Crisis: How Climate Change Amplifies Health Risks for Women

The scoping review highlights how climate change disproportionately impacts women's health, exacerbating mental, reproductive, and occupational risks, while also increasing vulnerability to gender-based violence. It calls for gender-sensitive climate policies to address these disparities and protect vulnerable populations.

A study by researchers from the Center for Implementation and Innovation in Health Policies at the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy in Buenos Aires has shed light on the profound impact of climate change on health, particularly highlighting the disproportionate burden borne by women. This review, which analyzed studies published between January 2019 and February 2024, sought to explore the intersection of climate change, health, and gender, with a focus on the social determinants of health that exacerbate existing inequalities. The review covered 19 studies, revealing the multifaceted ways in which climate change affects women’s mental, reproductive, and occupational health, while also increasing their vulnerability to gender-based violence.

Climate Change and Women's Mental Health: A Growing Crisis

The findings of this review underscore the significant mental health risks posed by climate change, particularly to women. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following extreme weather events, such as floods, cyclones, and droughts. These mental health challenges are further compounded by socio-economic inequalities that limit women’s access to resources and support systems. The concept of "eco-anxiety," which refers to a chronic fear of environmental doom, has gained prominence in recent years and has been shown to influence women’s reproductive decisions. Some women, concerned about the future of the planet and the potential impact on their children, have chosen not to have children at all. This reflects a growing recognition of the psychological burden that climate change imposes on women, extending beyond the immediate physical effects to include long-term mental health consequences.

Reproductive Health Under Threat

Reproductive health is another area where climate change has a profound impact. Pregnant women, especially those in low socio-economic conditions or living in areas prone to extreme weather events, face heightened risks of adverse outcomes such as miscarriages, preterm births, stillbirths, and low birth weights. These risks are particularly acute in regions where access to healthcare is limited, and where the effects of climate change, such as extreme heat, water scarcity, and food insecurity, exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. The review highlights the need for more targeted research to understand the long-term effects of climate change on reproductive health, particularly in underrepresented regions like Africa and South America, where the burden is likely to be greatest.

Gender-Based Violence: An Escalating Concern

In addition to the direct health impacts, climate change also exacerbates social disparities that increase the risk of gender-based violence (GBV). The review points out that extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, create environments that heighten the risk of sexual violence and exploitation, particularly for women and children who are displaced by these events. While climate change does not directly cause GBV, it intensifies existing social inequalities, making such violence more likely. Displacement, loss of livelihood, and the breakdown of social support systems during and after extreme weather events leave women and girls particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The review underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive climate policies and interventions that address the root causes of GBV and protect vulnerable populations from its devastating effects.

Occupational Health Risks in a Warming World

Occupational health risks associated with climate change are another area of concern highlighted by the review. Both men and women exposed to high temperatures at work face increased risks of injuries, but the review notes that gender differences in these risks are not well studied. Women working in agriculture, for example, are often exposed to extreme heat without adequate protection, increasing their risk of heat-related illnesses. However, men are also at risk, particularly in industries such as construction and manufacturing, where the physical demands of the job and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious health issues. The review calls for more gender-sensitive research to better understand the vulnerabilities of male and female workers, especially in outdoor occupations that are directly affected by climate change.

The Call for Gender-Sensitive Climate Policies

The study concludes that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, with women being particularly at risk due to the intersection of gender and socio-economic inequalities. Women in developing countries, where healthcare systems are often under-resourced and ill-equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change, face the greatest risks. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive, gender-sensitive climate policies and interventions to protect these populations from the health impacts of climate change. These policies must be informed by research that takes into account the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women, particularly those from marginalized groups such as LGBTQI+ individuals, indigenous communities, and migrants. By addressing these disparities, it is possible to develop more effective and inclusive climate interventions that not only mitigate the risks posed by climate change but also promote greater gender equity and resilience in affected communities. The review highlights the importance of future research to address existing knowledge gaps and ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind in the global response to climate change.