The past few years saw warnings from environmental experts that it will only take the earth a few degrees hotter before much of the present civilisations are wiped out. The gradual but significant impact of these devastating changes is not equal for everyone and in all places. Of all the earth’s inhabitants and regions, such impact is likely to be concentrated on women in the global South.

Joan Meris of Green Peace-South East Asia: “Extreme flooding and droughts will intensify the disparities in rural areas especially in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Fisherfolks are likewise vulnerable with the increasing coral bleaching or the discoloration of the corals due to changes in the water temperature, salinity, siltation, and even overfishing.

Given women’s enormous role in the various stages of farming, fishing and other forms of food production as well as in addressing the needs of their families, women will be at the heart of every crisis emanating from disturbing changes in the weather and the environment.”

In her essay, “Inseparable: The Crucial Role of Women in Food Security – Revisited,” Marilee Karl, Isis International’s founder cited that overall women are responsible for about 50 per cent of food production but in many tasks such as rice cultivation and livestock raising and geographic areas, women’s contribution may rise up to 90 per cent. “As the providers of basic foods, fuel and water for their families, women have an important stake in the preservation of the environment and in combating environmental degradation,” Karl asserted.

Given the disproportionate impact of climate change, an increasing number of feminists and activists is considering the paradigm of climate justice, which emphasises the accountability of entities who produced most carbon emissions in cleaning up the earth.

As Lidy Nacpil of Jubilee South explained, “People who have caused much of a problem must also have a bigger stake in solving such problem. In terms of climate change, the United States must take most of the responsibilities since they produce 30 to 40 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions.”

Nacpil also criticised the US’ pronouncements that they will only act when China and other countries will significantly reduce their carbon emissions. “They should not black mail us. They know very well that developing countries do not have the capacity to significantly and immediately cut their carbon emissions.”

She likewise railed at the idea of carbon trading, where developed nations are buying the excess capacity of the developing nations’ assigned amount units (AAUs) or ceiling for carbon emissions. “Carbon trading is merely paying for your right to pollute,” she remarked.

Nacpil were among the guests in the forum, “Disasters and Climate Change: Women More At Risk,” held on 11 March 2009, was organised by the Sarilaya and the National Coalition of Rural Women (PKKK), World March of Women and the CBDRM Training and Learning Circle Project of the centre for Disaster Management. Meanwhile, Karl’s paper will soon be available in the upcoming issue of Women in Action (WIA) on Women and the Food Crisis in the Global South.