Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender and Climate Change Resilience

Angela Baschieri, UNFPA
Daniel Schenzul, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Linda Lammensalo, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Climate change is about justice, as those most vulnerable to the changing climate have contributed the least to the problem. The impact of climate change is disproportionately concentrated in the global south. Within countries, those most vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters are the poorest communities, where especially women and girls and other marginalized groups are struggling to cope with and adapt even to current climate change impacts. Climate change is already increasing the number of people in emergencies, including those needing emergency reproductive health services and/or protection from gender based violence. Young people are stepping up the challenge of climate change and their involvement in combating climate change is crucial. Through ensuring access of adolescents and youth to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, education and opportunity, they can be empowered to take action on climate change.