Climate Change and Women's Health: Impacts and Opportunities in India. Issue 10 (17th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sorensen, Cecilia; Saunik, Sujata; Sehgal, Meena; Tewary, Anwesha; Govindan, Mini; Lemery, Jay; Balbus, John
• Is Part Of: GeoHealth. Volume 2:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2018-10-17
• Subjects: Environmental health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.98
• DOI: 10.1029/2018GH000163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-1403

Abstract

Abstract: Climate change impacts on health, including increased exposures to heat, poor air quality, extreme weather events, and altered vector‐borne disease transmission, reduced water quality, and decreased food security, affect men and women differently due to biologic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. In India, where rapid environmental changes are taking place, climate change threatens to widen existing gender‐based health disparities. Integration of a gendered perspective into existing climate, development, and disaster‐risk reduction policy frameworks can decrease negative health outcomes. Modifying climate risks requires multisector coordination, improvement in data acquisition, monitoring of gender specific targets, and equitable stakeholder engagement. Empowering women as agents of social change can improve mitigation and adaptation policy interventions. Key Points: Climate change impacts on health affect men and women differently due to underlying socioeconomic, cultural, and physiologic factors Climate change threatens to widen existing gender‐based health disparities, especially in India and other low‐ and middle‐income countries Integration of a gendered perspective into existing climate, development, and disaster‐risk reduction policy frameworks can decrease negative health outcomes