Exploring the Relationship Between Climate Injustice and Gender-Based Violence

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on the concept of climate injustice, why climate justice is essential, and how these issues are intrinsically linked to the perpetration of GBV, particularly in vulnerable communities. Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid. What you, as a bystander, are going through while supporting a survivor is absolutely okay and typical too!  If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."

Climate injustice and gender-based violence (GBV) are increasingly recognized as interconnected issues. The climate crisis disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, exacerbating risks of GBV.

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What is Climate Injustice and Why is it a Problem?

Climate injustice refers to the unequal burden of environmental degradation and climate change on marginalized communities. Vulnerable populations—particularly women, indigenous communities, and the economically disadvantaged—are more susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change due to their social, economic, and political marginalization (Misra, 2023). Climate injustice stems from a historical pattern where industrialized nations contribute disproportionately to global warming while less-developed countries face its most severe consequences. These communities lack the resources to adapt or mitigate the impacts of climate change, leading to heightened vulnerability.

What is Climate Justice and Why is it Important?

Climate justice seeks to address these inequities by promoting fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in climate action. It emphasizes the need for policy responses that consider the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized groups, ensuring that these groups are protected and empowered. Climate justice also involves holding polluting entities accountable for environmental harm and providing reparations or support to affected communities (Misra, 2023).

Achieving climate justice is vital because it aligns with broader goals of social justice, aiming to rectify the environmental inequalities that perpetuate poverty, displacement, and violence. By advocating for equitable solutions, climate justice ensures that the most vulnerable populations have access to the resources they need to adapt to climate change, reducing their risk of exploitation and harm.

What is the Relationship Between Climate Justice and Gender-Based Violence?

The intersection of climate injustice and GBV is increasingly acknowledged in scholarly research. Vulnerable communities, particularly women and gender minorities, are at greater risk of violence in times of environmental crisis. Climate change can exacerbate existing social tensions, create resource shortages, and force displacement, all of which can increase the incidence of GBV. For instance, in the aftermath of natural disasters, women and girls are more likely to face sexual violence due to the breakdown of social structures and the lack of security in temporary shelters (Misra, 2023).

Gender-based violence, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and forced marriages, often increases in regions experiencing environmental stress. This violence is rooted in pre-existing gender inequalities that are aggravated by climate change, as patriarchal structures in these communities can exploit climate-induced vulnerabilities (Trotter-Simons, 2024).

How can Climate Change Disproportionately Affect Vulnerable Communities and Exacerbate SGBV?

Climate change disproportionately affects those with the least resources to cope with its impacts, intensifying the risks of SGBV. Women and girls in rural and impoverished regions often bear the brunt of environmental degradation. In many communities, they are responsible for gathering water, firewood, and other resources. As these resources become scarcer due to climate change, women are forced to travel longer distances, increasing their exposure to violence (Misra, 2023).

Additionally, climate-induced displacement and migration further expose women and vulnerable groups to the threat of GBV. In refugee camps or temporary settlements, the lack of protection and overcrowding create environments where sexual violence is rampant. These communities often lack access to legal resources or social support, leaving survivors with limited options for reporting or escaping GBV (Misra, 2023).

Which Vulnerable Communities are the Most Severely Impacted by Climate Change and GBV?

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of climate change and GBV:

• Women and Girls: Women, especially those in rural or indigenous communities, are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their traditional roles in resource collection and caregiving. This responsibility increases their exposure to violence in times of resource scarcity or displacement (Trotter-Simons, 2024).

• Indigenous Communities: Indigenous peoples, who rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, are at high risk of both environmental degradation and violence. The loss of land and displacement due to climate change exacerbates their vulnerability to violence, as their connection to their land and culture is eroded (Misra, 2023).

• Economically Disadvantaged Groups: Poverty-stricken populations often lack access to safe housing, healthcare, and legal resources. As climate change worsens their economic situation, they become more susceptible to exploitation and violence, including trafficking and forced labor (Misra, 2023).

How can Climate Change and SGBV Reinforce Gender Disparities?

Climate change and SGBV are mutually reinforcing factors that perpetuate gender inequalities. Climate change exacerbates existing economic and social disparities, leaving women and gender minorities more vulnerable to exploitation. In many cultures, patriarchal norms already limit women's autonomy and economic power, and environmental degradation compounds these challenges.

For example, during climate-related disasters, traditional gender roles often force women to prioritize the needs of their families over their own, leading to higher rates of malnutrition and poverty among women (Misra, 2023). This economic dependency makes it difficult for women to escape violent situations, as they lack the financial means or social support to seek help.

By addressing both climate justice and GBV, societies can take meaningful steps toward reducing gender disparities. Climate justice initiatives that focus on empowering women—such as providing education, economic opportunities, and legal protections—can help break the cycle of violence and inequality (Trotter-Simons, 2024).

The relationship between climate injustice and GBV is complex but deeply intertwined. Vulnerable communities, especially women, indigenous populations, and economically disadvantaged groups, face increased risks of violence as a result of climate change. Addressing climate justice is essential not only for mitigating the environmental impacts of climate change but also for preventing the further exploitation and abuse of marginalized groups. By advocating for equitable climate solutions, we can help create a safer, more just world for those most affected by both environmental and social crises.

Want the references for this article?

Misra, P. (2023). Interrelationship between Climate Change and Women's Health: A Study in Human Rights Perspective. Central University of Kashmir Law Review. Retrieved from https://publications.cukashmir.ac.in/index.php/cuklr/article/download/3/5

Trotter-Simons, B. E. K. (2024). Fierce Hope: Youth Activism in Aotearoa. Bridget Williams Books. Retrieved from https://www.saanz.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Trotter-Simons_Fierce-hope_Book-review_NZS-392_92-96.pdf