Study on the links between inequality gender and change climate in China

Abstract

China is the world’s largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and one of the countries
most vulnerable to climate change globally. Yet, social vulnerability to climate change is still poorly
understood across the country. In particular, gender-sensitive perspectives are almost absent from
the climate change debate. At scientific level, very limited attempts have been made to investigate the relevance of gender differentials to adaptation and mitigation efforts. This chapter aims
at contributing to bridging this gap, providing an analysis of the structural conditions of gender
inequality affecting the country today and highlighting their close link to social vulnerability to
climate change. Results indicate that feminization of labor, unequal access to resources, and unequal access to decision-making and traditional gender norms can play a strong role in undermining
women’s capacity to cope and adapt to climate change in China.