In an effort to better study and support adaptation to the effects of heat stress on women and girls throughout Asia and the Pacific, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has started a new project.
ADB will conduct research under the new technical assistance program to determine how women are impacted by the growing threat of heat stress and to identify targeted investments, policies, and actions that can aid governments in lessening the negative effects of heat on women and girls.
According to an ADB press release I got today, the program will be implemented in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.
“We’re on course for the warmest year on record and in Asia and the Pacific, this is placing unprecedented strain on women, on their economic productivity, their role in food security, and the infrastructure that women use,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa at the launch of the initiative at COP28.
“Development is no longer possible without addressing the consequences of climate change such as extreme heat-and we must focus on women,” he added.
Over 148 million full-time jobs, or more than 650 billion hours of labor losses annually globally, have been related to extreme heat—a level of disruption comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women are disproportionately impacted by these rising temperatures, increasing their risk of serious health problems as well as significant financial losses.
“Women in vulnerable regions are often hardest hit by the effects of our warming planet,” said former US Secretary of State and Arsht-Rock Global Ambassador for Heat, Health, and Gender Hillary Rodham Clinton on a panel discussion at the event which was coorganized by ADB and the Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center.
“ADB’s initiative marks an important step towards rectifying these imbalances.”
“Every person on the planet is at risk of being impacted by extreme heat-but the impacts are unequal,” said former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.
“Policymakers must take measures to protect the most vulnerable communities, particularly in cities where the problem is more severe due to the urban heat island effect. From naming and categorizing heatwaves to urban greening initiatives, cities are at the frontline of implementing solutions that safeguard their citizens’ lives and livelihoods,” added Felipe.
“In the Pacific, where climate change is a lived reality, we see first hand how extreme heat exacerbates existing gender inequalities,” said Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya.
“Empowering women through targeted measures is crucial for our collective climate response,” Added Tabuya.
“The disproportionate impact of heat stress on women calls for a tailored approach,” said UN-Habitat and Arsht-Rock Global Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili.
“Integrating gender perspectives in our climate strategies is not just essential; it’s a matter of urgency and equity.”
“Cities are on the frontline of climate change,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp. “As leaders, we must ensure our climate resilience efforts, particularly regarding heat stress, are inclusive, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of women.”
Through this program, ADB is demonstrating its dedication to incorporating heat action-planning into all new operations in vulnerable areas, with an emphasis on promoting gender-responsive policies and strengthening women’s climate resilience.
The program is in line with the bank’s goal of allocating $100 billion in climate finance, including $34 billion for adaptation, from its own resources between 2019 and 2030. ADB committed $7.1 billion in climate finance in 2022, of which $2.8 billion was allocated for adaptation and $4.3 billion for mitigation. Last year, the bank successfully gathered $548 million more in private climate finance.
While continuing its efforts to end extreme poverty, ADB is dedicated to creating a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific region. It was founded in 1966 and is owned by 68 people, 49 of whom are local.
