The Gendered Impact of Heatwaves and Water Crisis in India

May 2, 2024 | Aditi Madan and Arjun Dubey
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The effects of climate change, specifically heatwaves and water scarcity, exert disproportionate effects on women in India. Currently, water reservoir levels in the country have plummeted to a mere 35 percent of their total capacity, intensifying alongside heatwaves, which will significantly disrupt lives, particularly those of women. Recent studies highlight that Indian women are notably more vulnerable to extreme temperatures compared to men, amplifying existing gender disparities in health, economic opportunity, and educational access.