Sexual Violence Is a Hidden Impact of the Climate Crisis That’s Not Discussed Enough

Jun 4, 2021 | Nylah Burton
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We know the climate crisis is already here—with environmental destruction leading to many people being displaced from their homes, as well as causing health problems and economic hardship. And generally, the impacts of climate change are felt by women and girls the most. 

The UN estimates that more than 80 per cent of people displaced by climate change are women, partly due to gendered labour roles such as having to stay behind after disasters to care for children and elders. In the 2004 tsunami, an Oxfam report showed that men survived women at a shocking ratio of almost 3:1 in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India.

One aspect that’s not often discussed, though, is how the aftermath of climate disasters can often lead to an increase in sexual violence against women, girls and other marginalised genders of all ages. The reasons for this are multifaceted, and go back to issues of exploitation and displacement, which impact Indigenous, Black, and migrant people the most.