Description
According to the UN, "Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun's activity or large volcanic eruptions." Climate change affects every human in the world, but it does affect women and children disproportionately. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, women bear a disproportionate amount of the risk and burden associated with climate change. In terms of health effects, this is particularly true, making climate change a risk factor for disparities in health between genders. Climate change-induced heatwaves are intensifying, with 2023 poised to be the hottest year on record. Nations like Vietnam, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Bangladesh have experienced unprecedented temperature highs, signaling a dire need for urgent preparation and mitigation strategies. This paper delves into the intersectionality of climate change and gender, emphasizing how heatwaves disproportionately affect women due to existing inequalities. Empirical evidence suggests that women, particularly those in impoverished communities and informal settlements like Dhaka, bear a higher burden of heat stress, impacting their health, livelihoods, and overall security. The paper underscores the necessity for targeted support and inclusive solutions to address the unique challenges women face during heatwaves. This paper also highlights the participation of women in world climate summits and the national policy making process and stresses the importance of inclusive solutions to attain the goals set forward.
