According to the latest United Nations report, climate change has not only intensified natural disasters and environmental degradation but has also directly led to a global rise in gender-based violence.
The study reveals that the climate crisis, by exacerbating poverty, displacement, and social tensions, has placed women and girls at greater risk.
The Link Between the Climate Crisis and Gender-Based Violence
The UN warns that extreme weather events—such as floods, droughts, and storms—force communities into displacement, leaving women vulnerable to physical and sexual exploitation. In many regions, shortages of natural resources like water and food have also fueled increases in forced marriages, human trafficking, and domestic violence.
Alarming Statistics and Facts
Field research in climate-vulnerable countries, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central America, indicates a 30% rise in reported cases of violence against women following natural disasters. Additionally, limited access to healthcare and support services due to damaged infrastructure has further trapped victims in cycles of abuse.
UN Response and Proposed Solutions
The UN has urged governments to address this dual challenge by integrating climate action strategies with programs safeguarding women’s rights. Recommended measures include funding education, sustainable employment, and establishing safe shelters for women in crisis-affected areas.
The report reiterates that the climate crisis is not merely an environmental catastrophe but a grave threat to social justice and gender equality. Without urgent action, its impact on the lives of women and girls will become irreversible in the coming years.
United Nations