Vulnerable groups already on the margins, such as the rural and urban poor, elderly, people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, children, immigrants, and minorities, are disproportionately affected. Women, particularly in the Global South, endure intensified hardships, with the crisis threatening their health, safety, and fundamental rights.
Spotlight on sexual and reproductive health
The links between climate change and women's sexual and reproductive health and rights are clear but often overlooked. Rising air pollution and extreme heat are directly tied to maternal health risks, including premature births, stillbirths, and other complications. The cascading effects of climate disasters, such as extreme weather events, also fuel spikes in gender-based violence, leaving women and girls even more vulnerable in their communities.
To address this, we partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to analyse the climate plans of 119 countries. The findings revealed a glaring gap: while many nations recognize the connection between climate change, women's health, and gender-based violence, few have incorporated actionable strategies for access to contraception, safe childbirth, and protection from violence into their adaptation goals. Building on this work, regional reports were developed to help countries align their climate policies with COP commitments and center gender justice in their climate response strategies.
