Climate Change and Gender: Vulnerabilities, Impacts, and Pathways for Inclusive Adaptation

Abstract

Climate change and gender are deeply interconnected. Climate hazards tend to hit the most vulnerable groups hardest, and globally the majority of the world’s poor are women[1]. In practice this means women and gender-diverse people often face greater burdens from droughts, floods, heatwaves and other extremes. As one UN analysis notes, climate change “is not gender neutral”: “women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.”[2]. By “gender” we refer to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, identities and power relations of women, men, boys, girls, and gender-diverse people[3]. In all societies these roles influence who works in which sectors (e.g. agriculture, fisheries, services), who controls resources and money, and who makes decisions in households and communities. Where these roles limit women’s power or exclude gender minorities, climate risks affect people differently. For example, when a drought or cyclone strikes, women often have less access to information and resources to protect their families, and this can increase mortality and suffering among women and girls[2][4]. Moreover, gender intersects with other inequalities (such as ethnicity, age, disability or sexual orientation). Indigenous women, older women, and LGBTQ+ communities, for instance, often bear compounded climate risks due to discrimination[5][3].

Recognizing these connections is crucial: climate change is widely seen as a justice issue, where those who contributed least suffer most[6]. In that spirit, climate action must be gender-inclusive. Women are not only victims; they also hold valuable knowledge and leadership potential for adaptation. Research shows that including women in climate planning leads to better outcomes, whereas ignoring gender can exacerbate inequalities and reduce effectiveness[7][8]. This paper explores the global evidence on how climate change impacts women and gender minorities differently, why a gendered analysis is essential, and what pathways lead to inclusive adaptation. It includes an illustrative case study and concludes with recommendations for policy and practice.