Climate change and its impact on women's living

Abstract

Climate change is one of the biggest global health threats to the world’s population. Global warming can occur largely due to increased levels of greenhouse gases caused by human activities and conditions such as the burning of fossil fuels (carbon dioxide), livestock (methane from manure), industrial emissions, vehicle/factory exhaust and chlorofluorocarbon aerosols that trap extra heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. The resulting extreme weather conditions lead to uncontrollable fires, air pollution, ecological changes and floods. The realization of ecological changes has major impacts on population displacement, family fragmentation, violence, water availability and quality, food security, public health and economic infrastructures. The consequences of ecological changes affect public safety and their ability to maintain health. Climate change also has direct impacts on human health and well-being. Particularly vulnerable populations are affected, including women, pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly, who make up the majority of disadvantaged populations globally. In addition, when disasters occur, communities of different ethnic groups, low-income and disadvantaged individuals are more affected by climate change challenges. The climate crisis negatively alters the balance of risk for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as for newborn and child health. Obstetric nurses and midwives have a unique opportunity to raise awareness, educate and advocate for mitigation strategies to reverse climate change affecting patients and their families. The objective of this review is to examine the circumstances under which climate change may emerge as a significant public health, social justice, human rights, economic, and women’s health challenge. The FIGO reports that the current climate crisis poses an imminent health risk to pregnant women, developing fetuses, and reproductive health, and calls for community-wide solutions, government policies, and global action.