Gender and Climate Justice by COPGendered

The International Organisation of Migration defines “migration” as an umbrella term, not defined under in ternational law but which reflects the common under standing of a person who moves away from their place of usual residence, whether within a country or across an international border, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of reasons. Climate-induced migration is context-specifc and results from a multitude of factors influenced by gender inequalities, further impacting marginalised groups. For instance, during disasters, it is often women and girls who find themselves disproportionately affected and left behind to attend to family members. It is essential to approach this issue from an intersectional perspective, recognising the intricate interplay between different genders and other factors such as class, race, age, ethnicity, or disabilities. There should be much more research done and data collected that make these intersections visible, not only for men and women but also for LGBTIQ+ people. Two primary climate dynamics are contributing to migration: 1) slow-onset events, such as ongoing droughts and rising sea levels, and 2) rapid-onset events such as hurricanes. In the former, people gradually lose their livelihoods, prompting a slow but steady need for relocation, while the latter necessitates immediate evacuation in the face of sudden disasters. Despite the historical existence of climate-related events, human-induced climate change has heightened their frequency and intensity.

An illustrative example of the complex relationship between climate and gendered migration is evident in the connection between conflicts and climate change as the latter contributes to the escalation of violent conflicts, leading to more (sexual) Gender Based Violence. Equally significant is the reverse relationship - climate vulnerability during times of conflict. During conflict, women often assume caregiving rather than combat roles, and they encounter unique challenges that lead to distinct migration patterns. These distinct migration patterns emerge from the intersection of culture and social relations. Societal norms and expectations, valuing women’s caregiving roles, confine them to specific spaces and roles. This creates a cycle where the limited mobility of women becomes both a cause and a consequence of their gender-defined societal roles. Despite these challenges, UN data reveals that women globally account for nearly half (48.1%) of global migrants, a trend sustained for almost six decades. While men and women do not significantly differ in total migration flows, substantial regional differences persist across the globe.