women
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Women and girls bearing brunt of water shortages globally, UN warns
Unesco calls for action as lack of access and sanitation hits health, education and food security of women.
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Women bear the brunt of climate change. Meet the green politicians determined to change that
For International Women’s Day, Euronews Green highlighted some of the female politicians spearheading the never-ending fight against climate change.
Newsletter
Extreme weather exacerbates refugee camp hardships
Displaced women in Jordan, Bangladesh, and South Sudan face worsening conditions as extreme weather compounds the challenges of refugee life.
In short:
- In Jordan, Hamda al-Marzouq copes with extreme heat, impacting daily life and health in the Za’atari refugee camp.
- Umme Solima in Bangladesh struggles with landslides and damaged infrastructure, making daily survival difficult in Cox’s Bazar.
- Nyapuoch Phan Dak in South Sudan endures relentless flooding, limiting food supplies and mobility in the Rubkona camp.
Key quote:
“We walk long distances in the water, sometimes in the rain, and at times, we would even get no milk. But sometimes we’re able to get milk and sell to get something to feed our children.”
— Nyapuoch Phan Dak, refugee, widow, and mother of four in a South Sudan camp
Why this matters:
Extreme weather linked to climate change worsens the already dire conditions in refugee camps, threatening the survival and dignity of millions.
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Women in Oaxaca revitalize ancient water preservation methods
Indigenous women in Oaxaca are adopting ancestral techniques to combat severe droughts and water scarcity.
In short:
- Agustina Ortiz and other women are using ferro-cement water tanks to collect and purify rainwater.
- They grow drought-resistant crops, ensuring food security and creating income through surplus sales.
- The nonprofit Grupedsac trains these women in sustainable water and land management practices.
Key quote:
"We need to empower these women, but we also need to understand that the word empowerment means different things in our societies."
— Joaquin Carrillo, director of Grupedsac's Oaxaca center
Why this matters:
Water scarcity is intensifying in Oaxaca, impacting agriculture and daily life. Teaching sustainable water management and empowering women enhances community resilience against climate change.
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Newsletter
Natural disasters disproportionally harm women in Australia
Women are 14 times more likely to die and face higher rates of violence and homelessness during and after natural disasters in Australia, yet climate policies fail to address these dangers, experts say.
Stephanie Gardiner reports for The Australian Associated Press.
In short:
- Domestic violence and homelessness spike for women following natural disasters in Australia, with significant cases noted after events like the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the 2022 NSW Northern Rivers floods, new research found.
- Despite research, climate policies still overlook the heightened risks faced by women, who make up 80% of those displaced after disasters.
- Traditional gender roles during disasters often lead men to heroic duties while women bear increased caregiving burdens, exacerbating social and economic disadvantages.
Key quote:
“There’s the social disadvantage, but women are also economically disadvantaged and … when a crisis strikes, they’ve got less security and fewer resources to draw upon.”
— Carla Pascoe Leahy, research manager at the Women's Environmental Leadership Australia.
Why this matters:
Women face disproportionately higher risks during natural disasters, which exacerbate existing social and economic vulnerabilities. Ultimately, building resilience against natural disasters means building equity. By empowering women and addressing the root causes of their vulnerabilities, communities can create a more just and sustainable path to recovery.
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Newsletter
Swiss parliament dismisses climate ruling favoring older women
Swiss lawmakers have rejected a European court's ruling that weak climate policies violate the human rights of older women.
In short:
- The European court ruled Switzerland's weak climate policies endanger older women, violating their human rights.
- The Swiss lower house voted 111-72 to dismiss the ruling, claiming judicial overreach and sufficient national efforts.
- Activists, including the KlimaSeniorinnen group, argue this sets a dangerous precedent and betrays vulnerable populations.
Key quote:
"The declaration is a betrayal of us older women – and of all those who are suffering from the real consequences of global warming today and in the future."
— Rosmarie Wydler-Wälti, co-president of KlimaSeniorinnen
Why this matters:
Critics of the Swiss decision argue that dismissing the ruling neglects the urgent need for robust climate policies to protect all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. They point to rising temperatures and increasing instances of heatwaves, which have significant health impacts on older populations, particularly women. Advocates stress that addressing climate change is not just an environmental imperative but also a moral and human rights issue.
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Newsletter
Winter storms linked to increased domestic violence, study finds
A devastating winter storm in Texas heightens the risk of domestic violence, trapping victims with their abusers and limiting access to help, reports
In short:
- Research indicates that natural disasters exacerbate intimate partner violence, as victims find it harder to seek support.
- Disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, fueled by climate change, could make these situations more common.
- Federal disaster response lacks preparation for addressing intimate partner violence during emergencies.
Key quote:
“The level of toxicity and abuse was condensed. The accusations or outbursts of anger that would have taken three weeks were condensed to five days.’’
— Michelle J. Abdelnoor
Why this matters:
Natural disasters can create significant emotional distress and anxiety. The loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones can heighten tensions within households. For individuals with a predisposition toward violence, these stressors may lead to an increase in abusive behaviors as a misplaced outlet for their frustration and fear.
Ecoanxiety. Ecoparalysis. Solastalgia. Call it what you want— when it comes to climate change and mental health, the future is now.
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