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Climate Change Exacerbates GBV: UN report highlights a direct link between rising temperatures and increased gender-based violence (GBV), particularly intimate partner violence (IPV). A 1°C temperature rise could lead to a 4.7% increase in IPV.
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Disasters and Violence: Climate disasters in 2023 affected millions and correlated with increased IPV. Heatwaves are linked to higher femicide rates, while post-disaster scenarios elevate risks of child marriage, trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
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Underreporting & “Shadow Pandemic”: GBV is described as a “shadow pandemic,” with only a small percentage of survivors reporting incidents, masking the true scale of the problem.
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Vulnerable Groups at Risk: Women in poverty, Indigenous communities, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionately higher risks of GBV due to climate change impacts and limited support. Environmental rights defenders are also increasingly targeted.
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Funding Gap: Only a tiny fraction (0.04%) of climate-related development assistance focuses on gender equality, revealing a critical failure to address GBV in climate action.
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Key Recommendations:
- Integrate GBV prevention into all climate policies.
- Prioritize women’s leadership and safety in climate solutions.
- Recognize GBV as a barrier to climate resilience.
- Support civil society and women’s movements.
- Adopt gender-responsive programs like those in Vanuatu, Liberia, and Mozambique.
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Why in News: The UN Spotlight Initiative report underscores the urgent need to address the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and gender-based violence. Without action, climate change could cause a significant increase in IPV cases by 2100. It emphasizes the need for inclusive, responsive, and rights-centered policy frameworks to build a climate-resilient future.