Think Piece: Gender and Climate Change in the Context of COVID-19

This think piece examines the interconnections between climate change, public health and the coronavirus pandemic in Asia and the Pacific, highlighting how pre-existing gender inequalities intensify the impacts of both crises. It outlines health, economic and social risks associated with climate change and COVID-19, with particular attention to women’s livelihoods in informal work, agriculture, tourism and energy sectors. Drawing on regional data and policy analysis, it explores links between ecosystem degradation, zoonotic diseases and energy poverty. The document proposes integrated recovery approaches that combine climate mitigation, adaptation and gender equality, and sets out actions for governments, financial institutions, civil society, private sector actors and multilateral organisations to support inclusive, climate-resilient recovery.