Impact of climate change on women – A human rights perspective

Globalization has benefitted mankind immensely. Life, for some, has become more comfortable, with everything available, from across countries, with just a click of the mouse. Technology has reduced the world into a ‘global village’. But, development in the name of progress, has also added onto the misery of mankind – especially the damage caused to the environment, which needs to be addressed on an urgent basis, or else, could become a threat to the survival of man on this planet. This paper tries to explore the interrelatedness between women and nature, the intrinsic bond between them and the inherent ability of women as life-givers, to nurture nature. The paper also demonstrates how women are more vulnerable and bound to be directly impacted by the damages caused to the environment. But in spite of her close proximity to nature, women seem to be completely kept away from all decision making processes related to environment. This paper tries to highlight the lacunae in the socio-legal system and concludes by explaining why women need to be incorporated into the decision making processes, with respect to matters related to environment.