Women and Climate Change

Abstract: This chapter aims to contribute to discussions concerning the global oppression of women by highlighting the ways in which the status of women intersects with climate change throughout the world. Empirical research shows that women’s representation in political organizations and their incorporation into decision-making processes are associated with lower contributions to climate change and overall improvements in sustainability across nations. These findings suggest that the status of women has a substantive bearing on the environmental and ecological future of the planet. Other research shows that women’s role as primary producers of food for the household results in a disproportionate burden of climate change for women, who leverage myriad strategies to adapt to changing conditions. In reviewing past qualitative and quantitative findings on climate change and women, the chapters focuses on the West African nation of Ghana, arguing that development and environmental policies would benefit from greater sensitivity to the ways in which climate change shapes women’s social, political, and economic opportunities. In doing so, the chapter utilizes ecofeminist theories to highlight critical links to achieving greater gender equality across social, political, economic, and environmental lines.