Vulnerability and Variability to Climate Change: A Gendered Dimension
摘要
Vulnerability is the susceptibility of a system to negative impacts from climate change and variability, as outlined in the IPCC reports (2014). It encompasses the system’s sensitivity, adaptability, exposure level, and overall characteristics (Alhassan et al., 2019). This chapter explores how vulnerability and adaptive capacity are influenced by gender and social factors in the context of climate change (Olmos, Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change: concepts, issues and assessment methods. Foundation Paper, Climate Change Knowledge Network, 2001). Marginalized communities, facing poverty and various constraints including climate-related shocks, endure added pressures in their daily lives. The study delves into the climatic parameters in India and their impact on women, particularly in households led by women who often have fewer resources to cope with population growth, land issues, and environmental degradation. Women are more vulnerable to climate-related events such as droughts, floods, and earthquakes due to social, economic, and political barriers that limit their ability to cope. Research indicates that during food shortages, women and girls experience declining health compared to men. There is a pressing need to develop gender-sensitive strategies to address human security and respond to environmental and humanitarian crises arising from climate change. Studies show that men and women differ in their roles, access to resources, rights, knowledge, and time when dealing with climate change. Despite being disproportionately affected by pandemics and social issues, women’s participation in decision-making processes regarding climate change remains limited.