A recent Indian government-backed study warns that climate change-related rising temperatures pose substantial health hazards to pregnant women. The Ministry of Women and Child Development-sponsored study shows that pregnant women are more susceptible to excessive heat, which can cause preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia.
Analyzing India’s Agroecological Zones for the First Time
This study analyzes India’s varied agroecological zones, a first. This method enriches our understanding of how climate change affects pregnant women across geographies. As we pursue climate change solutions, Minister Smriti Irani stresses the relevance of such studies for India and the world.
Key Findings and Urgent Action
The study highlights climate change’s disproportionate impact on women and children. Heat exposure is dangerous for pregnant women, and social and economic inequities make women and children more vulnerable. The paper emphasizes the urgency of focused measures to reduce these impacts.
Gender Gap in Climate Action Plans
While climate change impacts everyone, women frequently suffer the most. The study shows that many State Action Plans for Climate Change (SAPCC) fail to address women’s demands. The research recommends mainstreaming gender-transformative climate action initiatives at all levels.
Tips for Fairer Response
The report provides a vulnerable population protection plan. Important suggestions:
- SAPCCs with gender-sensitive measures.
- Growing support for women-and-children programs.
- More research to generate context-specific solutions.
- Heat-related sickness healthcare infrastructure improvement.
- Raising awareness through communication.
- Create safe locations for women and children during extreme weather.
- Promoting clean cooking and indoor air quality.
- Building women’s resilience through infrastructure and livelihood diversification.
- Climate emergency empowerment for women in healthcare.
In Addition to Women and Children: Protect All Vulnerable Groups
The report prioritizes women and children but recognizes the need to safeguard the elderly and disabled.
Unequal Burden: Women and Kids Suffer Most
Women and children are disproportionately affected by climate change, according to study. Due to social inequities, women and children are especially vulnerable to climate change’s health effects.
Livelihood and Food Security Impact
The report examines how climate change has devastated agriculture, a vital income source for rural Indian women. Crop output declines cause food insecurity and malnutrition.
Demand Differential and Intersectional Understanding
The study stresses the necessity for a comprehensive strategy that includes women and children’s unique regional experiences. The effects on mental and physical health, food security, and migration are examined.
Empowering Women and Children
The study emphasizes empowering women and children to help solve the climate challenge fairly. Addressing these groups’ disparate affects can lead to a more equitable and sustainable future.
