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The effects of climate change are worse for women than for men. Two health experts share why and how to protect your mental health and help others.
It’s no secret that the world is getting hotter. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the rate of warming has been three times as fast per decade since 1982, with last year being the warmest year since the records began in 1850. While the impacts of a warming planet- crop failures, droughts, melting ice caps, loss of biodiversity, etc.- have made headlines, the impact to our health, oftentimes does not. Not, only that, but the demographic who are most vulnerable to the mental, physical, and economic effects of climate change are women. And all too often women are sidelined when it comes to the conversation about climate action. So, what can we do about it?
Around the world, women are primary caregivers. It’s not only the role of bearing and raising children that women provide. Worldwide, 57 – 80% of the elderly are cared for by women. These roles are part of the reason why women are more vulnerable than men to the impacts of climate change. Julie Morrow, Chief Clinical Strategist at Addiction Resource explains it this way, “In my experience, women often carry the emotional weight of caregiving. And when climate disasters hit, those responsibilities become even heavier than we can imagine.”
Dr. Cintanita Bradley, a Resident Physician at Sonoran University, echoes this, stating, “When natural disasters cause upheaval, women are looked to to provide stability and plan for their families. This responsibility, compounded by the lack of resources, can produce significant physical and emotional stress.”
By some estimates, by 2050, climate change will push 158 million women and girls into poverty. That’s 16 million more than the global number for men and boys. Dr. Bradley and Ms. Morrow share their insight and knowledge (as health experts and women) about how climate change is unraveling mental resilience for women and how we (whether you’re male or female) can help rebuild it and offer support.
Why are women more vulnerable to the effects of climate change?
Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events pose unique threats to women’s well-being. Women are more prone to heat stress and related sicknesses due to factors like they’re physiology, social norms as caregivers, and the disparity in resources.
There is also the concern about the negative impacts of extreme heat on neonatal health with “research showing links between heat exposure and pre-term births, miscarriages, and stillbirths.” And, as women are expected to take on caregiver roles in society, the responsibilities of these roles only increase during moments of extreme heat. “On top of that, women are also more likely to face economic instability and displacement, which makes the psychological toll harder to bear,” Ms. Marrow explains.
According to Dr. Bradley, for women facing economic instability, the burden of climate change is even higher. “Much of the research conducted on women in areas impacted by climate change has been in low-income areas, where women face gender inequality and may be of lower socioeconomic status. These women may lose access to healthcare and work, impacting financial stability and significantly limiting their ability to navigate these unexpected challenges.”
What steps can women take to destress and reduce climate anxiety?
The constant newscycle about climate change can take a heavy toll on women’s mental and emotional well-being. Many report feeling more anxious, sad, and sometimes even depressed after reading climate news articles. One way to cultivate resilience and find peace despite the newscycle is to practice being present in the here and now.
Dr. Bradley and Ms. Marrow both recommend breathing exercises to stay grounded in the present moment. “Diaphragmatic breathing during times of worry can calm the nervous system and help the body feel safe during times of anxiety. Guided imagery is also a helpful tool,” Dr. Bradley recommends. “Picturing yourself in a peaceful environment near the ocean with your feet in the sand can be therapeutic.”
“I remind people that grounding really helps,” Ms. Marrow explains. “Simple breathing exercises, walking outside, or focusing on small actions, like conserving energy or supporting local initiatives, can turn anxiety into a sense of empowerment. Personally, I’ve seen how movement, like yoga or a walk, helps release tension in the body and calm the mind.”
It’s also important to spend less time reading and watching the news, which can spark anxious thoughts and feelings. “Constant exposure to the emotionally taxing reports on the news can take us on a roller coaster of emotions, which our bodies may interpret as stress,” Dr. Bradley explains. “Limiting exposure to these forms of media decreases stressful stimuli and allows us to prioritize our mental wellbeing and recognize the small joys in our lives.”
As women, what’s the best way to track our mental and emotional health?
“We’ve become a society that moves so quickly, suppressing emotions, and moving from one task to another without second thought,” Dr. Bradley says. The best cure is prevention. And, sometimes that means slowing down and checking in with yourself daily to see how you’re feeling emotionally and handling the day-to-day stressors of modern life.
“Journaling is such a great way to process our thoughts, release negative emotions, and plan a path forward even when we feel bogged down with the cares of life,” Dr. Bradley suggests. “By journaling, we can “check in” with how we’re feeling, how our day went, and make room for the memorable moments that happened in the day.”
Ms. Marrow also suggests pausing throughout the day for self care. “For myself, I try to pause and ask, “How am I really doing today?” That little self-check can really make a big difference. For the others, I’ve found that open questions like, “How are you holding up this week?” invite more honest answers than a quick “How are you?” And then, just listening (without jumping in to fix) goes a long way.”
How can we show up for women experiencing climate disasters?
“The best thing we can always do is show up with compassion and listen,” Ms. Marrow says. Losing homes or livelihoods due to climate disasters can spark deep feelings of grief, loss, stress, and trauma. “When someone’s grieving a huge loss, they don’t need quick fixes because they need their pain acknowledged,” she explains.
As previously mentioned, women often take on extra caregiving duties during and after disasters. This added weight can create feelings of overwhelm and depression that can last for years, and sometimes it’s the small practical gestures that go a long way to truly help. “I also believe in offering practical support, whether that’s a meal, a ride, or helping with paperwork. Healing from trauma takes time, and ongoing support is often what matters most,” she adds.
“Community and bonding are so important when facing stress,” Dr. Bradley stresses the importance of showing compassion to those within your community. “Cooking their favorite meal for them, buying groceries for them, or showing up to help them repair their home can reinforce the sense of community and help them know that they’re loved and thought about during their time of need.”
How can we advocate for climate solutions that include women?
The climate crisis is not gender neutral. So, it’s vital to include women in climate discussions and decisions. Yet, oftentimes their voices are not included or heard. “From what I’ve observed, climate decision-making spaces are still dominated by men, especially in science and policy,” Ms. Marrow shares. “Women’s voices often get sidelined, even though we bring unique insights about community resilience and family impact.”
This is seen in spaces such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), where Celeste Saulo, the South American Secretary General addressed the disparities and made it one of her top priorities to ensure better representation of women during climate discussions. Likewise, the United Nations made statements about improving access and women’s participation in climate solutions.
“Gender equality is still a work in progress,” Dr. Bradley states. “Thankfully, more time and effort are being dedicated to analyzing the positive impact that women can have in conversations about climate change.”
Both women advocate for finding ways to be a part of the discussions within your local communities. “I believe advocacy can start locally,” Ms. Marrow states. “Supporting women-led organizations, sharing our personal experiences, and mentoring younger women all help shift the balance.”
“Draft petitions, educate, and call local and governmental authorities to help them understand why they should champion this cause,” Dr. Bradley suggests. “I’m hopeful that as the conversation grows, more women will be called upon to push the needle forward.”
