As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize an issue that affects women across Canada in profound ways—climate change. Climate change is not just about rising temperatures and extreme weather; it’s about real people facing real challenges. And women, in particular, bear a heavier burden when it comes to its impacts.
Health Risks
Climate change affects women’s health in many ways. Rising temperatures can lead to more heat-related illnesses, and poor air quality from wildfires and pollution can worsen respiratory conditions, especially in pregnant women. Studies show that extreme heat can disrupt menstrual cycles and even lead to pregnancy complications such as premature birth.
Consider the deadly heatwaves in British Columbia in recent years. Women who are pregnant, elderly, or dealing with pre-existing health conditions are at a higher risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When temperatures rise, they often have to take extra precautions to stay safe.
Economic Challenges
Women’s livelihoods are also affected by climate change, especially in industries like agriculture, forestry, and tourism. For example, many Indigenous women in northern Canada rely on traditional food sources like fishing and hunting, but changing weather patterns and melting ice make these practices harder to sustain. When wildfires or droughts destroy crops and disrupt the environment, women who work in these sectors face job losses and financial insecurity.
Food and Water Security
Women play a key role in food production, preparation, and caregiving. When climate change affects food supply, women are often the first to feel the impact. In remote and Indigenous communities, access to fresh food is already a challenge, and changing weather patterns make it even harder.
For example, in Nunavut, rising temperatures have shortened hunting and fishing seasons, making traditional food sources less available. This forces families to rely more on expensive, store-bought food, which is not always nutritious. Additionally, changing rainfall patterns and pollution can affect access to clean drinking water, increasing health risks for women and children.
Displacement and Safety
Extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes can force people to leave their homes. When disasters strike, women and children are often the most vulnerable. Studies show that women are more likely to experience gender-based violence in emergency shelters and disaster-stricken areas.
Take the wildfires in Alberta—many families were forced to evacuate, and some lost their homes completely. During times of crisis, women often take on the responsibility of caring for children and elderly family members while also dealing with emotional and financial stress.
Building a Resilient Future
Despite these challenges, women are leading the way in climate action. Across Canada, women are taking charge in environmental activism, policymaking, and community-based solutions. Indigenous women are using traditional knowledge to help restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity. Women scientists and policymakers are working on innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and create more sustainable communities.
On International Women’s Day, let’s commit to supporting women in the fight against climate change. We can do this by ensuring they have access to education, leadership opportunities, and resources that help them build resilience in their communities. By working together, we can create a future where all women can thrive—no matter the challenges ahead.
