Climate Change Instability and Gender Vulnerability in Nepal: A Case Study on the Himalayan Region

Author

Akriti SharmaFollow

Date of Award

5-2016

Degree Type

Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P)

Department

International Development, Community and Environment

Chief Instructor

Jude Fernando

Keywords

Climate Change, Gender, Himalayas, Vulnerability, Instability, Gender Inequality

Abstract

For the past decade, low-income developing countries have and will continue to remain on the frontline for the consequences of human induced climate change. While climate change is expected to have universal negative impacts on the health, well-being and the livelihoods of people, it is expected to specifically affect women from low-income developing countries where poverty and gender inequality are both still very prevalent. A closer look at previous research reveals that women, specifically in the Himalayan region of Nepal are more vulnerable due to the already challenging terrain in which they live in. This paper analyzes the vulnerability of women in Nepal based on their roles in society and as effects of migration and the agriculture industry. It is therefore necessary to realize that climate change is not a gender-neutral occurrence and it has become very important, especially for developing countries, to identify gender sensitive strategies that can respond to the needs for women and reduce their vulnerability.

Recommended Citation

Sharma, Akriti, "Climate Change Instability and Gender Vulnerability in Nepal: A Case Study on the Himalayan Region" (2016). International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE). 37.
https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/37