Vision 2030: Climate adaptation for improvements in women’s sexual, reproductive, maternal and menopausal health outcomes

Climate change is exacerbating gender-related health inequities, by having a disproportionately greater impact on the health of women compared with men. Climate change can particularly impact women’s sexual, reproductive, maternal and menopausal health, as well as increase risks of gender-based violence, mental health issues, and unemployment (see Figure 1). Women’s unique physiological characteristics and life stages—such as menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause—make them particularly vulnerable to climate-related events. However, beyond biology, socioeconomic barriers further limit women’s ability to adapt to these health challenges. This vulnerability is especially high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where women experience greater exposure to climate hazards, have fewer resources for adaptation, and face greater obstacles to healthcare access.