Gender-Ethnicity Intersectionality in Climate Change Adaptation in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Gender-Ethnicity Intersectionality in Climate Change Adaptation in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Assaduzzaman, Mohammad (University of Twente)
Filatova, T. (TU Delft Policy Analysis)
Lovett, Jon C. (University of Leeds)
Coenen, Frans H.J.M. (University of Twente)

2023

Climate change effects are not uniform and have disproportionate impacts among different groups of people within communities. It is therefore important to understand the underlying issues of intersectionality for climate change adaptation and human well-being. This paper aims to measure human capabilities and freedom of choice by analyzing perceived climate change impacts and current climate change adaptation ability among ethnic and non-ethnic communities in Bangladesh. This study applies a range of participatory rural appraisal tools and key informant interviews to assess impacts of climate change when considering gender and ethnicity. Women in the coastal regions have less access to resources and services because of social capital and cultural practices and this directly or indirectly influences their adaptation to climate change. Women have limited or no participation in decision-making processes at family or community levels and this impacts their vulnerability and well-being. In consequence, women’s capabilities must be focused on moderating their vulnerability and risk, and developing effective adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change and natural hazards.

Bangladesh
capability approach
climate change adaptation
coastal regions
ethnicity
gender
intersectionality

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:d1c14c80-6daa-4d69-8f07-1e3ff22d534b

https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043744

2071-1050

Sustainability, 15 (4)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 Mohammad Assaduzzaman, T. Filatova, Jon C. Lovett, Frans H.J.M. Coenen