Climate Change and Gender in Rich Countries: Work, Public Policy and Action
Abstract
Feminist Economics, 2019 Vol. 25, No. 2, 199–209 Book Reviews by Marjorie Griffin Cohen, ed. Abingdon: Routledge, 2017. 321 pp. ISBN: 978-1-138-22239-7 (hbk.). US$150.00. Since the beginning of this century we have seen a wide range of publications on the theme of gender and climate change, by academics, international organizations, and practitioners (for example, Agarwal [2010]; Dankelman [2010]; Aguilar et al. [2015]; United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP] 2016). Strong emphasis has been placed on the fact that climatic changes tend to increase existing inequalities, and particularly gender inequalities, by putting extra burdens on women because of changing environments and livelihoods. There is also ample documentation that (natural) disasters tend to impact more women and increase their caring responsibilities. As many scholars underline, these processes hinder women’s control over natural resources as well as their education and employment opportunities. On the other hand, climate mitigation and adaptation policies and measures that neglect a gender analysis and perspective are likely to enhance social inequalities. (Inter)national climate regimes and activities do reflect such insights to a limited extent. Climate Change and Gender in Rich Countries, edited by Marjorie Griffin Cohen, has a unique focus. Most of the publications on gender and climate