“Unveiling the Hidden Connection Between Climate Change and Gender Inequality: The Silent Crisis” – OnlineKhabar English News

Since the industrial revolution began in the 1760s, human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions. This has altered our climate and raised concerns about global warming. Not only human actions but also natural processes, like volcanic eruptions and solar energy fluctuations, have impacted our environment. Moreover, the extraction of rare earth materials for technology has intensified competition among global players, further contributing to carbon emissions. Companies like SpaceX and Boeing are also in the mix, adding to the problem.

Climate change is pressing. Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires are causing massive destruction, leading to loss of life and infrastructure. There’s also a quieter, more gradual form of damage known as “slow violence.” This comes from resource extraction activities like mining, deforestation, and overfishing. Though these actions support industries, they degrade ecosystems and displace communities over time.

For instance, wars, such as those in Ukraine and Israel-Palestine, have exacerbated environmental issues, producing over 230 million tons of carbon emissions. The increased demand for rare earth elements, crucial for modern technology, has also worsened ecological degradation in resource-rich regions. Farming, heavily affected by climate change, sees women disproportionately bearing the brunt, especially in developing countries.

Women farmers produce 45-80% of all food in developing nations, and droughts, like the one recently experienced in Madhesh Province, deeply impact their livelihoods. Climate change impacts not just the farmers but also heightens existing gender inequalities, affecting health and safety.

Violence against women can take many forms, from physical to emotional. The term “slow violence,” introduced by scholar Rob Nixon, refers to the invisible, long-term environmental degradation often overlooked. Climate change reinforces these inequalities, making gender analysis in climate policy vital. Women do the majority of agricultural work in many developing countries, facing the greatest losses in tough conditions.

Despite these challenges, women are leading the charge for environmental advocacy. Vandana Shiva, a well-known environmental activist, discusses how essential eco-feminism is for survival and promoting collective resistance against corporate exploitation in her book “Making Peace with the Earth.” She highlights the need for a shift towards earth-centered politics and economics.

Historical movements led by women, like the Chipko Movement in India, which sought to protect trees from commercial logging, serve as powerful examples of grassroots environmental activism. Another notable figure, Wangari Maathai, launched the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, promoting tree planting and community development. Her efforts resulted in millions of trees being planted and empowered women in sustainable practices.

In the U.S., Lois Gibbs became a pivotal figure in the Love Canal Movement, exposing toxic waste issues in her neighborhood. Her activism led to significant government interventions and the relocation of families affected by environmental harm. In Nepal, women have also played a key role in environmental management and governance through initiatives like Community Forest Management, ensuring women’s voices are heard in decision-making processes. About 42% of the members in these groups are women, showing progress in gender inclusion.

These examples underline how women’s activism benefits both environmental protection and gender equity. Understanding climate change as a complex issue intertwined with gender roles helps create better policies. Without addressing these impacts and including women’s lived experiences in climate strategies, efforts to tackle climate challenges may fall short.

For effective climate governance, it is crucial to examine current strategies to ensure they reflect the realities of women and contribute to social justice and equity. By prioritizing local agency and intersectional approaches, we can build resilience against climate change for all.

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