Book Review: Climate Change and Gender in Rich Countries: Work, Public Policy and Action

Source: Feminist Economics , 2018

Author(s): Irene Dankelman

Topics: Climate Change, Gender, Governance

Since the beginning of this century we have seen a wide range of publications on the theme of gender and climate change, by academics, international organizations, and practitioners (for example, Argawal 2010; Dankelman 2010; Aguilar et al. 2015; United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2016). Strong emphasis has been placed on the fact that climatic changes tend to increase existing inequalities, and particularly gender inequalities, by putting extra burdens on women because of changing environments and livelihoods. There is also ample documentation that (natural) disasters tend to impact more women and increase their caring responsibilities. As many scholars underline, these processes hinder women's control over natural resources as well as their education and employment opportunities. On the other hand, climate mitigation and adaptation policies and measures that neglects a gender analysis and perspective are likely to enhance social inequalities. (Inter)national climate regimes and activities do reflect such insights to a limited extent.