Facing the future: The nexus between climate change and women’s health

Abstract

Climate change poses profound and multifaceted threats to global health, with women disproportionately affected due to intersecting social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. This editorial synthesizes current evidence on the relationship between climate change and women’s health, emphasizing the critical lens of environmental racism and its exacerbation of health disparities. Women in marginalized communities often face heightened exposure to climate-related hazards such as extreme heat, air pollution, and water scarcity, compounded by systemic inequities that limit access to health care and resources. The focus of this article is to highlight how climate change and environmental racism interact to impact women’s health and the need for gender-just health policy. Thus, the article examines the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on women’s physical and mental health, including increased risks of reproductive health issues, malnutrition, and psychological stress. This editorial highlights the crucial role of policy and advocacy in addressing these challenges, advocating for gender-responsive climate policies that incorporate health equity and social justice. Finally, it offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocates to mitigate health risks and promote sustainable, inclusive solutions. This article echoes the importance of inclusive policymaking, the enhancement of healthcare infrastructure, and targeted investments in education and capacity building that address the specific needs of women. By centering women’s experiences and leadership in climate action, this editorial contributes to a more equitable and effective response to the intertwined crises of climate change and public health.

Introduction

The intersection of women’s health and climate change has propelled a complex and pressing challenge globally.^1,2 Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, which exacerbates preexisting vulnerabilities and health inequities brought on by physiological, biological, and socioeconomic variables. ³ Climate-induced displacement may result in a rise in poverty and gender-based violence, while rising temperatures may cause preterm deliveries and other health problems for mothers. ⁴ Extreme weather events, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and increased exposure to air pollution pose greater hazards to women, especially those in low- and middle-income nations. ⁵ These factors can result in unfavorable pregnancy outcomes and consequences for the health of the mother. Climate drivers (heat, pollution, extreme events) interact with structural inequities (environmental racism, poverty, and governance) to shape exposures and access to resources, producing sex- and gender-specific risks for women’s physical, reproductive, and mental health; policy levers act on each step of this pathway.^6,7

Consequently, this editorial discusses some specific interfaces between climate change and women’s health, including women’s health amidst environmental racism and justice, climate justice, the impact of climate change on women’s health, and successful initiatives for offsetting the impact of climate change on women, as notable recommendations for consideration. Environmental racism is the disproportionate exposure of communities of color to environmental hazards due to systemic discrimination. ⁸ Environmental justice is the movement seeking fair treatment, participation, and protection for all from environmental harms. ⁹ Climate justice extends this by addressing global inequalities in climate impact and responsibility. ¹⁰ A gender lens for conceptualizing these concepts is indispensable as women and girls are more vulnerable to these injustices and their inclusion ensures better equity and resilience. ¹¹

This piece is segmented into the following themes: women’s health in the context of environmental racism, the impact of climate change on women’s health, successful initiatives and case studies, the role of policy and advocacy, recommendations for policy and action as well as the conclusion.

Women’s health in the context of environmental racism

Chavis first introduced environmental racism as, “racial discrimination in environmental policymaking and enforcement of regulations and laws, the deliberate targeting of communities of color for toxic waste facilities, the official sanctioning of the presence of life-threatening poisons and pollutants for communities of color, and the history of excluding people of color from leadership of the environmental movement.” ¹² Although environmental racism focuses on race and ethnicity, there are clear implications for women specifically that should be considered by scholars of women’s health.

For women in polluted areas, reproductive and maternal health are compromised through repeated and ongoing exposure to toxins. This is exacerbated in emerging nations and highly populated regions. ¹³ There is evidence in the literature that exposure to pollutants increases infertility rates and causes menstrual irregularities. ¹⁴ In the United States, most toxic waste and fumes are relegated to Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities, leaving these women at heightened risk. This is particularly concerning given the mounting barriers to maternal health they already navigate, including poor baseline health, low quality or minimal prenatal care, access to nutritious food, and safe places to exercise. ¹⁵

Environmental racism in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) manifests as the disproportionate placement of polluting industries, inadequate waste management, and unsafe resource extraction in marginalized communities—amplifying risks for women who often bear primary responsibility for gathering water, managing household waste, and providing care.^16,17 Women in LMICs face higher exposure to environmental toxins, poorer living conditions, and reduced access to health services. Gender norms often confine women to roles that further increase their risk, such as burning household waste or working in contaminated agriculture, leading to increased prevalence of respiratory diseases, reproductive harms, and psychosocial distress.^18,19 Additionally, violence and discrimination against women environmental defenders are prevalent, with documented cases of repression, displacement, and health threats in extractive industry conflicts throughout the global South. ¹⁸ Addressing these injustices requires intersectional gender and race-sensitive policies and increased female leadership in environmental decision-making.

The impact of climate change on women’s health

Climate change is a major health threat, and it affects women more than men, especially women living in poor or disaster-prone areas. It can harm women’s physical health, mental well-being, and reproductive health. ⁴ These gender-based impacts are becoming clearer and need urgent attention. ²⁰ Rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events have direct implications for women’s physical health. Heatwaves exacerbate chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. ²¹ Women working in agriculture or informal sectors are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures with limited access to cooling mechanisms or hydration. ²² Poor air quality worsens respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, particularly during pregnancy, increasing the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth. ²³

Climate-induced disasters also amplify mental health challenges. Displacement, loss of livelihood, and food insecurity contribute to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, often more pronounced in women due to preexisting gender inequities and caregiving burdens. ⁷ Women’s psychosocial well-being is frequently overlooked during emergency responses, further perpetuating cycles of vulnerability and marginalization. ²⁴

Reproductive health is also deeply affected by climate change. ²⁵ Disruptions in health services due to floods, droughts, or conflict can limit access to essential maternal and reproductive health care, including antenatal visits, skilled birth attendance, and family planning services. ²⁶ Evidence shows that maternal mortality and adverse maternal outcomes tend to rise in the wake of climate-related disasters. ²⁷ Reviews of systematic analyses indicate that each 1 °C rise in ambient temperature increases the odds of preterm birth by about 5%, and exposure to PM2.5 air pollution raises preterm birth risk by ~6%.^28,29 Both heat and air pollution are also associated with higher risk of low birth weight and stillbirth. ³⁰ Additionally, climate change intensifies food insecurity and malnutrition, critical factors influencing women’s fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and newborn health. ³¹ In some contexts, climate stress is linked to early marriage and adolescent pregnancy, as families use marriage as a coping mechanism to reduce household burdens. ³²

Importantly, these impacts are not experienced equally. Women and girls in LMICs, particularly those from marginalized, rural, or Indigenous communities, often bear the brunt of climate-related health risks due to limited agency, mobility, and access to resources. ³³ Climate justice must therefore include a strong gender lens, ensuring women’s voices are heard in climate policy and health system preparedness efforts.

Successful initiatives and case studies

Successful initiatives and case studies demonstrate the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate resilience efforts, enhancing women’s health outcomes, and promoting their empowerment. Globally, some notable initiatives have yielded successful outcomes by shielding women from the diverse implications of climate change on women’s well-being. These include women-led climate resilience interventions, gender transformative climate action initiatives, climate justice, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) initiatives.

One of the remarkable initiatives in this regard has been the advocacy for sustainable menstrual hygiene practices, comprising the utilization of reusable cloth pads. ³⁴ This not only improves menstrual health but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste. ³⁵ This strategy empowers girls and women by offering them reasonably priced and reliable menstrual products, improving their propensity to participate in education and economic activities. ³⁶ For instance, the Centre for Social Protection Studies in Pakistan strives to integrate SRHR into climate change policies and disaster response protocols. ³⁷

Second, there have been some women-led climate resilience initiatives at the forefront of mitigating the impact of climate change on women’s health and well-being. ³⁸ The Pathfinder International’s Women-Led Climate Resilience Project, in Egypt and other African countries, is a classic example of this. ³⁹ The project empowers women through the establishment of green health clinics and the promotion of family planning support, along with climate resilience activities. Through the project, women are recruited and trained as “Ambassadors of Change” to lead community initiatives aimed at mitigating carbon footprints and augmenting environmental sustainability. ³⁹ This initiative not only enhances health outcomes but also promotes women’s leadership and financial autonomy in climate mitigation efforts.

Besides, climate justice and SRHR initiatives are also ongoing in some parts of the world, as another cutting-edge approach for enhancing women’s health amidst climate volatilities. The “My Body My Future” program by Plan International is making some significant strides around the globe. This program is concerned with the application of a climate justice lens to advance girls’ rights and gender equality, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. Through enhancement in innovation and entrepreneurial skills of the youth, the initiative strives to bolster resilience to climate change impacts in countries such as Mozambique and the Lao PDR. ⁴⁰ This program stresses the essence of incorporating SRHR into climate adaptation strategies to resolve the gendered impacts of climate change.

The role of policy and advocacy

Here, we have detailed the ways women’s health is impacted by environmental racism and climate change. Globally, the United Nations has outlined several reasons women are vital to environmental justice. ⁴¹ Specifically, women farmers tend to use more sustainable and environment-friendly growing practices, women are greatly impacted by environmental disasters, bearing the brunt of care-related recovery efforts for children and elderly populations, and there is evidence that countries and businesses with women leaders have better environmental policies than their male-led counterparts. ⁴²

The enormous impact of environmental racism on maternal health is addressed by activist movements like the reproductive justice movement in the United States. ⁴³ The Combahee River Collective gathered to create a plan for a way forward for Black women facing injustices, including reproductive injustice. ⁴³ In their joint statement, they claimed that “We might use our position at the bottom, however, to make a clear leap into revolutionary action. If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.” ⁴⁴

Recommendations for policy and action

Urgent, coordinated action is required to address the dual crisis of climate change and gender inequality. First, governments must prioritize gender-responsive climate policies that recognize and address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, girls, and marginalized communities. This includes integrating gender perspectives into climate adaptation, mitigation, and financing strategies to ensure inclusive and equitable outcomes. ⁴⁵

Second, community engagement and education are essential to build local resilience and foster sustainable practices. Policies should support grassroots leadership, especially among women and youth, and invest in climate literacy programs that empower communities to make informed decisions and advocate for their rights.

Third, a strong call for international cooperation is necessary to drive progress across borders. High-income countries must uphold their climate finance commitments and support LMICs through technology transfer, capacity building, and investment in gender-equitable climate solutions.

Finally, data collection and research must be strengthened to inform evidence-based policies that reflect lived experiences and intersectional vulnerabilities. These efforts must be underpinned by accountability mechanisms to monitor progress and ensure that climate action advances gender equality, social justice, and planetary health. Without such commitments, climate solutions will remain incomplete and inequitable.

Conclusion

The multifaceted impacts of climate change on women’s health—ranging from reproductive and maternal health complications to mental health challenges—underscore the necessity of incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Successful initiatives and case studies demonstrate that empowering women through community engagement and leadership not only enhances resilience but also fosters sustainable health outcomes. As we aspire to achieve the health and well-being dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, recommendations emphasize the need for inclusive policymaking, strengthened healthcare infrastructure, and investment in education and capacity-building tailored to women’s needs. Policymakers must embed gender-responsive, intersectional strategies at every step—from tackling climate and environmental drivers, to ensuring equitable resources and health protections for all women; this is essential for building resilient, inclusive health systems in a changing climate. Addressing climate change through a gendered health lens is not only a matter of justice but also essential for the effectiveness and sustainability of global climate responses. By centering women’s health and voices in climate discourse, stakeholders can advance a more just and resilient future for all.