The climate crisis is a global challenge, but its effects are not felt equally. Women and girls often face the heaviest burdens. As a “threat multiplier,” climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, intensifying the struggles that women already experience. The United Nations has found that in the aftermath of extreme weather events, issues like intimate partner violence increase, girls are withdrawn from school, early marriages rise, and displaced women and girls become more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Selwin Hart, UN Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition, emphasized, “Those most affected by the climate crisis, especially in vulnerable countries, are primarily women. Unfortunately, our current policies do not adequately address this challenge.”
To highlight the intricate connections between gender and climate change, CNN collaborated with seven female photojournalists who documented the experiences of women and girls across seven countries in the Global South. This visual project reveals the numerous ways the climate crisis disrupts their lives while also showcasing their resilience and determination to fight back.
Girls’ Education in Nigeria
Over 10 million children aged 5 to 14 are out of school in Nigeria, with girls facing particularly dire statistics—less than half attend school in some northeastern and northwestern states. This educational crisis stems from a complex mix of poverty, geographic barriers, and gender discrimination, all intensified by climate change.
With rising temperatures and increasingly severe weather, such as floods and landslides, schools often become inaccessible and unsafe. In communities grappling with these challenges, families may rely on children to contribute economically, disproportionately affecting girls whose education is already undervalued.
Research from the Brookings Institution shows that for each additional year a girl remains in school, her country’s resilience to climate disasters improves significantly. Initiatives like the Center for Girls’ Education in Zaria are working to keep girls in school while providing training to help them cope with the impacts of climate change.
Food Insecurity in Brazil
The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the climate by absorbing more carbon dioxide than it releases. However, deforestation and climate change threaten this vital ecosystem. In northeast Brazil, women in the Amazon Basin are fighting against corporate control over the forest, which jeopardizes their livelihoods.
A movement known as the Babassu Coconut Breakers has emerged, with over 2,000 women uniting to protect their access to the babassu palm trees. This struggle is not only about food security but also about achieving gender equality and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Human Trafficking in the Philippines
The climate crisis also increases the risks of sexual abuse and human trafficking. As livelihoods are destroyed and people are displaced, women and girls become more vulnerable. A UN report highlighted that after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, instances of trafficking surged, underscoring how climate-related disasters create environments ripe for exploitation.
Organizations like the People’s Recovery Empowerment Development Assistance (PREDA) Foundation work to combat human trafficking, offering support and refuge to survivors.
Maternal Health in Pakistan
Pregnant women face unique challenges in the context of climate change, particularly from extreme heat. Studies show that each 1-degree Celsius rise in temperature can increase stillbirths and premature deliveries by approximately 5%.
In Jacobabad, one of the hottest cities globally, women reported severe health issues during extreme heat waves. Many are forced to work outdoors in oppressive conditions, compromising their health and that of their newborns. Calls for better support and access to cooling resources are urgent.
Migration in Guatemala
Guatemala is highly vulnerable to climate change, with shifting rain patterns severely affecting agriculture. This disruption can force families to migrate, often leaving women behind to manage homes and seek income until male family members can send remittances.
Climate change could displace up to 1.2 billion people by 2050. While migration decisions are complex and multifaceted, climate-related factors increasingly drive this trend. Organizations like the Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation are working to support women in these communities through education and leadership training.
Child Marriage in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is identified as an “emergency hotspot” for girls’ rights, with climate change exacerbating risks of child marriage. As families face financial pressures from climate-related disasters, early marriages become more common.
Each year, around 12 million girls are married before turning 18. Marufa Khatun, married at 11 due to her family’s financial struggles post-cyclone, exemplifies the harsh realities many face. Efforts to end child marriage by 2030 are hindered by the increasing prevalence of climate disasters.
Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
Kenya has recently experienced a drastic shift from drought to flooding, creating a crisis for the majority of the population reliant on farming. This instability has increased food insecurity and, consequently, the risk of gender-based violence.
Research indicates that economic stress and disaster conditions can exacerbate intimate partner violence. Organizations like the Coalition on Violence Against Women work to protect women’s rights and provide essential resources.
In summary, the climate crisis poses severe challenges that disproportionately affect women and girls across the globe. Addressing these inequalities is crucial for creating effective climate solutions and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities.