Climate Change & Women’s Health

Weber Shandwick released a thought leadership piece on the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in the Global South, who bear a heavier burden from its effects. According to UN Women, by 2050, nearly 160 million women and girls could be pushed into poverty due to climate change, with over 80% of those displaced being women and girls.

The heightened vulnerability of women is largely due to their significant representation among the world’s poor and their dependence on natural resources. Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts directly impact women more severely than men, exacerbating existing inequalities. For instance, in South Asia, women make up a larger share of informal workers, making them more susceptible to labor losses due to heat exposure.

Health risks are also skewed against women, who suffer more frequently from heat-related ailments and face increased risks during pregnancy due to rising temperatures and pollution. A notable study found that girls who were in utero during extreme weather events like Hurricane Sandy are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders later in life.

These findings highlight the urgent need for gender-responsive climate policies and increased awareness to protect the most vulnerable populations from the growing impacts of climate change. Read full report here.