Climate Change and Gender

1. Climate Change and Gender Men, Women, and Society Gender Topic Presentation David, LaShawna, and Tiffani

2. Ecofeminism Defined • Ecofeminism is a feminist movement acknowledging the ecological and economic connection of androcentric domination of the environment and the exploitation of women, racial minorities, the poor, and the Global Proletariat. • “Healing the planet requires political action emphasizing equality and social justice globally” (Lindsey, 2015. 20). • For the purpose of this project, Ecofeminism serves as a “gatekeeper” of sorts. Attempting to prevent the complete consumption of limited resources and the utter manipulation of subordinated women.

3. Climate Change Defined • A change in global or regional climate patterns. Examples: • Increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. • Causes a thickening of the lowest level of atmosphere; which then “traps” heat. • Nitrous oxide and methane are released into the atmosphere, as well. • Interferes with “atmospheric” activities and aids in the thinning and depletion of the ozone layer. • This ultimately allows more heat to pass through; causing above average temperatures.

4. Why is Climate Change Occurring? We, as humans contribute to climate change. • How we contribute: • Vehicle emissions • Consumption/Destruction/Burning of renewable resources • The operation of power plants and manufacturing plants • Large-scale agricultural operations • Gasoline, oil, and coal • Deforestation Google.com

5. Gender Defined • “Gender refers to those social, cultural, and psychological traits linked to males and females through particular social contexts” (Lindsey, 2015. 4). • Gender makes us “masculine” or “feminine.” • Gender is a social construct. • The shaping of perceptions. • “…Sex is socially and culturally constructed rather than a straightforward statement of the biological “facts’” (West et al.,2014. 143). • “Gender is a socially scripted dramatization of the culture's idealization of feminine and masculine natures, played for an audience that is well schooled in the presentational idiom” (West et al., 2014. 123). • Not only is gender a social construct, but it is a negotiation of social reality. One that is an "ongoing process in which new definitions produce new behavior in a never-ending cycle” (Lindsey, 2015. 11). This is referred to as the end point fallacy.

6. Links between Climate Change and Gender • “Women gain or lose equality depending on many elements-the state of an economy, the identity politics of groups or nations, the election of conservative or liberal governments, the need for women’s labor in the public and private sectors, the extent of their education, the color of their skin, the power of fundamentalist religious leaders in their societies, and their ability to collaborate in social movements” (Epstein, 2014. 159). • “The impacts of climate change around the world disproportionately impact women, from water accessibility to increased violence in the wake of natural disasters” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 1). • “The consequences of human damage to our planet are felt worst by women and girls, and can lead to health problems, victimization, and long-lasting economic and environmental problems for entire nations” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 1). A true-to-life example of the way in which Climate Change effects Gender: In Malawi, an increase in temperatures and an increase in rain has lead the country to more drought and more flooding over the past 40 years. Hunger, disease, and poverty have become more common as a result, and women are losing access to income disproportionately and the jobs they do have become harder as they are less likely to have a voice in decision-making.

7. Women: A Force to be Reckoned with or a Commodity? Females are the economic engine and backbone of civilization. They are mothers, nurturers, and ultimately they give the gift of life. “All over the world, women do much of the reproductive work, ensuring the continuity of society. They do this both in physical terms and in symbolic terms. Physically, they do so through childbirth and childcare. They do much of the work any social group needs for survival” (Epstein, 2014. 168). The unpaid labor that women perform is not often viewed as a “commodity” within society: • Food production and preparation • Climate Change devalues this “commodity” as weather and temperature effect crops and make things much more difficult. Many women farm and are fundamental in the production of food; it is, many times, the only source of their already low incomes. In times of food shortages, women and girls more apt to go without eating to feed someone else; making them more likely to have health issues. • Deliver most preschool and primary school education • Caretakers of the sick and elderly • Socialization of children “They are the support staffs for men. This is a good deal-no, a great deal-for the men” (Epstein, 2014.168).

8. Important Connections Between Climate Change and Gender Poverty is another factor that aids climate change in its negative impact on women. • The feminization of poverty is “a global trend showing an increase in the percentage of women in the poverty population” (Lindsey, 2015. 268). • “And when climate change has an economic impact on a country, women are more likely to face inequalities in education, resources and healthcare access” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 1). • Women constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent on natural resources that are affected by climate change for their livelihoods. Furthermore, women face social, political, and economic barriers.

9. Important Connections Continued Women’s Health is also affected by climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the world is currently five times as disaster-prone as it was in the 1970s, due to increased risks that have come on as a result of climate change. • Domestic Violence and Natural Disasters • “Studies also show an increase in domestic and sexual violence during extreme natural events and during the recovery process” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 2). • Natural disasters create stress and chaos. This, in turn, tends to create turmoil in interpersonal relations; therefore increasing instances of domestic abuse. • “Natural disasters kill women more often than they kill men – this has to do with women’s financial, physical, and social position. And when schoolchildren have to be pulled out of school to care for the injured or sick, it is more likely to be a girl” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 2).

10. Important Connections Continued (Health) Women’s access to healthcare is also effected by climate change. (Hygiene and sanitation are affected, as well.) • Women are more likely to be affected by a loss of healthcare during natural disasters. • Maternal health and reproductive care suffer during disasters and this puts women at risk for STIs, unintended pregnancies and complications during childbirth. • “In the 1998 Bangladesh floods, girls were getting more urinary tract infections because they couldn’t properly and privately wash their menstrual rags and hang them to dry” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 2).

11. Connections Continued Climate change affects many women through the labor that they produce. • In many countries, it is the responsibility of women to work outdoors. • This exposes them to the elements of heat, rain, and other hazardous and unhealthy situations. • “We women have largely been affected in terms of fetching water. Previously the rivers would run all year round but now when the rains stop, the rivers dry up. We have to walk long distances” (“Feminist Newswire,” 2015. 2).

12. Important Connections Continued There are also links between climate change, women, and capitalism. • Marketing and Advertising • Products specifically made for women contain chemicals that are known to cause health concerns in women. • These products are then marketed with creative advertising and labeling specifically targeting women. • “Capitalism was founded on the subordination of women and nature” (“The Feminist Wire, 2015. 1).

13. Current Events and Debates • •March 30th 2016 • •The Enooretet Community of Kenya, Africa receives 10,000 liter water tank. • •10,000 people used to rely on the Entonkai Spring as their main water source, but frequent and persistent drought caused by climate change has caused the water levels to drop. • •The results of this on the community requires the women to travel farther for clean water and putting the children at falling ill from sharing contaminated water from livestock. • •(MADRE, 3-2016)

14. Current Events and Debates • •MADRE is the International Women’s Rights Organization responsible for donating the water tank to the Enooretet Community, as well as their local partners, the Indigenous Information Network

15. Current Events and Debates • The results of the tank will allow for clean water for drinking, cooking, and supplying to livestock and crops. • The water tank collects daily rain water to replenish the supply, and there is enough to supply the local school. • The end results: • Children Healthier • Women and girls spend less time hauling water, and more time to their education • Families will have enough daily water to survive

16. Current Events Continued • Over 500 Indigenous Women of the Amazon and Allies march for Climate Justice, Indigenous Rights on International Women’s Day. • March 9,2016 • In Puyo, Ecuador, 7 nationalities came together in defense of the Amazon, Mother Earth and for climate justice. • The 500 indigenous Women of the Amazon came together to denounce an oil contract between the Ecuadorian government and Chinese oil corporation Andes Petroleum • (WECAN, 3, 2016).

17. Current Events Continued •Andoa, Achuar, Kichwa, Shuar, Shiwiar, Sapara, Waorani •The Seven Nations •(WECAN, 3, 2016) • The 500 Indigenous Women arrived by plane, foot, canoe, and bus. • Chanting during the march, “Defend the forest, don’t sell it!” • Carrying Signs, “No more persecution against women defenders of Mother Earth” • Women of the Amazon are not just victims of environmental and cultural genocide, but rather are the vital solution to the Amazon.

18. Current Events Continued • •As the march unfolded, the Ecuadorian government and Andes Petroleum held a meeting in the nearby town of Shell to organize an illegal entry into Sapara territory, knowing that key leaders would not be present. Outraged, a delegation of Sapara delivered a letter to the meeting, underscoring their peoples' opposition to the oil project and governments tactics to divide the community. They successfully thwarted the government and company plans, and returned to the streets, victorious. • •(WECAN, 3, 2016)

19. Current Events Continued • •"On this International Women's Day we are reaching across borders and standing together as global women for climate justice to denounce oil extraction in the Amazon and call for attention to the struggles and solutions of local women land defenders,“ • •"We all depend on the flourishing of these precious rainforests, the lungs of the planet. Now is the time to keep the oil in the ground and stand with the women who have been putting their bodies on the line for years to protect the forest, their cultures, and the health and well being of all future generations.” • •(WECAN, 3, 2016)

20. Real Life Relevance • The topic of climate change and gender is one that everyone encounters on a daily basis. • Looking at this topic through a lens that is tainted by profit and finance is a reminder of the social inequalities within society. • Many individuals and families live on a budget and must purchase items that are more financially feasible. • Many of these “cheaper” items contain chemicals that are hazardous to women. “Going green” is expensive. • Social Conflict Theory applies here: Who is disadvantaged by this? Who is it that benefits? Who has access to this ‘resource?’ Who does not? • Those who are marginalized “cannot speak through their dollars” (The Feminist Wire, 2015. 2)

21. Real Life Relevance Continued • Climate change and gender not only affects girls and women, but everyone. • “Worldwide, the economically disadvantaged, people of color, and Indigenous people are further marginalized” (The Feminist Wire, 2015. 2). • Girls grow into women and women birth, feed, and raise the children of future generations. • “As citizens, consumers, and members of complex local and global ecosystems, we each have a role to play in working to mitigate the effects of climate change. Our votes, our purchasing choices, and our everyday behaviors (from biking to work to making art) can make a political statement about climate change” (“The Feminist Wire,” 2015. 2).

22. Bibliography Anon. 2016. “What Causes Climate Change?” Get.Smarter. Retrieved March 30, 2016.(http://get.smarter.com/qa/science/causes-climate-change-9fdbf6f481985c64?ad=semd&an=msn_s&am=broad&o=36999#). This Website thoroughly explains what causes climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency is cited to show that human activity has increased climate change temperatures. It describes what is required in earth’s atmosphere to survive. But with human activity this thickens the atmosphere. Ultimately this thins the ozone layer to let more heat come through. This website is a brief explanation of the causes and effects of climate change.

23. Bibliography Arasim, Emily, Koenig, Kevin and Paez, Belen. 2016. “ Over Five-Hundred Indigenous Women of the Amazon and Allies March for Climate Justice, Indigenous Rights on International Women’s Day.”WECAN.Retrieved May 2, 2016. (http://wecaninternational.org/news/1276/press-release_over-five-hundred-indigenous-women-of-the-amazon-and-allies-march-for-climate-justice-indigenous-rights-on-international-women%E2%80%99s-day). This website shows the Indigenous women fighting and defending their territory to keep the Amazon and fight for climate justice. Women leaders from seven different nationalities got together to take down the Ecuadorian and Chinese oil corporation from taking over their territory. The women found anyway they could to get to the Amazon town of Puyo to chant and hold signs saying things like “defend the forest”. The women rallied and spoke of how they are protecting and defending the Amazon because of its vital living system. WECAN joined the Indigenous women and stood together as global women for climate justice to denounce the oil extraction.

24. Bibliography Awadalla, Cesitina, Coutinho-Sledge, Piper, Criscitiello, Allison, Gorecki, Julie, and Sapra, Sonalini. 2015. “Climate Change and Feminist Environmentalisms: Closing Remarks.” The Feminist Wire. 1-3. The Feminist Wire provides a thorough examination of the major role climate plays in our everyday lives. It can be something as simple as bugs in your food, to spending days trying to find clean water. The authors emphasize the point that we need to fight to organize, engage and recognize climate change around us in order to provide for a healthy future. They state many times that our future is uncertain, and that the only way for it to be certain is to fight the uphill battle to beat climate change. It also talks about how people of color are disadvantaged and that this is a racial justice issue as well. The Feminist Wire challenges non-liberal whiteness as well as capitalism. The authors also attached some colored pictures to show relevant facts of men, women, and children fighting for climate and racial changes.  

25. Bibliography Epstein, Cynthia. 2007. “Great Divides: The Cultural, Cognitive, and Social bases of the Global Subordination of Women.” American Sociological Review. 156-179. “Great Divides” emphasizes the structural gains that are accompanied by cultural gains. The structural barriers in this text are made up of gender role reinforcement (women not getting into schools). Women facing unburdens of care work (sick child: mom is always contacted). Cultural barriers in the text are honor, clothing, and regulation of time and space. This reading shows women in the Western world moving forward toward equality. “Great Divides” is all about the divisions created by human agency. The author argues that the boundary on sex creates the social divide, this divide needs to be the root issue that society needs to understand that involve social dynamics of society and the roles of stratification.

26. Bibliography Feminist Newswire. 2015. “We Need to Talk about Gender on Earth Day.” Feminist Newswire. 1-2. This source presents the new standards developed by the Feminist Newswire. The standards are summarized, and a brief discussion is included of the implications going forward about the effects of climate change on women. The author indicates that changes in climate, impact women and girls on issues ranging from water to violence and health problems. This is a helpful source for getting an overview of the current difficulties women face. This source offers statistics on women who are affected by healthcare and violence. They give some studies that concluded that more women die than men during natural disasters. The Feminist Newswire claims that the majority of women in the world suffer from hunger, disease, and poverty. They have a harder time finding jobs and this results in sexual and domestic violence in shelters. Their suggestions for minimizing climate change is based on an initiative to want to be a helper in diminishing climate change. They are stressing the point that women play a vital role in families and that they depend on a healthy environment. This is consistent with the suggestions of many other sources that they listed at the end.

27. Bibliography Madre. 2016. “A New Water Tank!” Madre: Demanding Rights, Resources and Results for Women Worldwide. Retrieved on April 29, 2016. (https://www.madre.org/press-publications/your-support-action/new-water-tank). This website was created to show “Madre”. “Madre” is an international women’s rights organization. They partner with women groups worldwide who face war and disaster and help out “Madre” and other helpers made possible clean water by putting in a new 10,000 liter water tank in a community in Kenya. This happened because the spring where their water supply comes from was hit by a drought. The drought was caused by climate change. The women were having to walk longer distances for clean water. This tank also collects rain water, and supplies enough to have water at the local school. Because of “Madre” and the other helpers, women and children are healthier, and there is enough water for their crops.

28. Bibliography West, Candace and Fenstermaker. 1995. “Doing Difference.” Gender and Society. 134-156. “Doing Difference” is a term that came from the authors earlier ideas in “Doing Gender”. “Doing Difference” is the extension on the idea of gender as an ongoing process into the realms of race and class. This reading is to show how concepts like race and gender have conceived falsely as biologically bound and aptitude among those of a certain color or sex. The text uses the word “race” rather than “ethnicity” to portray beliefs of members in our society. These beliefs are predicated on the assumption that different races can be reliably distinguished from one another. The authors hope to advance the thinking of gender, race, and class as situated accomplishments

29. Bibliography West, Candace and Zimmerman, Don H. 1987. “Doing Gender.” Gender and Society. 121-134. “Doing Gender” involves Western culture gender. It is a psychological social construct that is around us in everyday interaction. Performance of gender in “Doing Gender” is to construct gendered behavior as natural. Individuals are judged by failure or success to meet their gender expectation, in the text it is referred to as “accountability structure.” This text uses examples from bathrooms, coupling, professions, and labor to shows ways in which gender is taken for granted in these activities. It also talks about the gendered assessment of behavior. This quote did a good job of summarizing the text “Doing gender involves a complex of socially guided perceptual, interactional, and micro political activities that cast particular pursuits as expressions of masculine and feminine natures” (121).

30. Bibliography Continued Lindsey, Linda L. 2015. “Gender Roles: A Sociological Perspective.” Pearson Education, Inc. 1-484.