By Charvi Gangwani, 20, India

Climate Change and its related effects such as natural disasters, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions are known to cause significant socioeconomic stresses. These impacts are felt most severely by marginalized communities, with women and children often bearing the brunt of the burden. As climate change intensifies, it exacerbates existing gender inequalities, deepening poverty and undermining sustainable development goals.

According to the United Nations, "climate change reinforces poverty, inequality, and gender discrimination." The effects of climate change can lead to displacement, migration, and increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation. The impact of climate change on women’s mental health is becoming more evident with the rise of eco-anxiety. Eco-anxiety is the fear of environmental destruction and its consequences, which is particularly high among women and children according to the American Psychological Association. Women and girls in low-income communities are more likely to suffer from eco-anxiety due to their higher exposure to environmental risks.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reveals that women constitute a significant proportion of the population living under impoverished conditions, with approximately 70% of the 1.3 billion people in poverty being women. In urban areas, around 40% of the poorest households are led by women. Despite being the main contributors to food production worldwide, with estimates ranging from 50% to 80%, women have ownership of less than 10% of the land.

The root causes of climate change and eco-anxiety are multifaceted and complex. However, the impact of climate change on women and girls is exacerbated by systemic inequalities, including gender discrimination and poverty. Women and girls are often excluded from decision-making processes, which perpetuates their vulnerability to climate change. Low-income communities, where women and children are more likely to reside, are also more vulnerable to environmental risks due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of resources.

To address the socio-economic stresses of climate change and eco-anxiety, a comprehensive approach is needed that tackles the interconnected issues of gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development. Sustainable development emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental, economic, and social considerations to promote long-term prosperity. It can involve initiatives such as investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and encouraging green infrastructure. These policies help to mitigate the effects of climate change, while also promoting economic growth and social well-being.

Another key factor that must be addressed is gender inequality. Women make up the majority of those living in poverty, and they are also more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Women often have less access to resources such as land and finance, which can make them more susceptible to the consequences of environmental degradation. It is hence crucial to implement policies that promote gender equity, including the equitable distribution of resources to alleviate these disparities. Additionally, providing financial support, access to education and skills development, and creating job opportunities in sustainable industries allows us to mitigate the root causes of poverty and its relationship to climate change.

The mental health consequences of climate change and eco-anxiety cannot be overlooked. Women and children are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change on mental health. Increased awareness and education about the impact of climate change on mental health are necessary to help those who are struggling with eco-anxiety. Moreover, making mental health support services more accessible and affordable can go a long way in addressing the mental health consequences of climate change.

In addition to the above, it is essential to prioritize women's participation in decision-making processes related to climate change. Women are often excluded from these processes, despite their significant contributions to food production, water management, and natural resource conservation. Empowering women to take an active role in environmental governance, and giving them a platform to voice their concerns can lead to more effective policies that benefit the entire community.

Charvi Gangwani, 20, is an avid mental health and gender equality activist from Indore, India studying Biological Sciences at Hollins University in Virginia, United States. She is passionate about creating a more sustainable and equitable world and hopes to pursue a career in public health to address these issues. 

Drought image by Adrien Stachowiak/Unsplash