According to a study published by JAMA Psychiatry on Wednesday, the rising temperatures in South Asia caused by climate change has led to a rise in domestic violence inflicted upon women and girls.
Researchers completed the study by gathering data of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from 194,871 girls and women between the ages of 15 to 49 from countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal between the years 2010 and 2018.
Their results have shown that with every one-degree rise in temperature, there was an eight percent hike in physical violence, a 7.3 percent rise in sexual violence, and a 4.9 percent increase in domestic violence.
The study has warned that domestic violence is likely to rise by 21 percent by the end of the century because of the “unlimited emissions scenario,” with India likely to see a 23.5 percent increase, 14.8 percent in Nepal, and 5.9 percent in Pakistan.
A report by Amnesty International has called for global leaders to take action against rising heatwaves in Pakistan, stating that the country was on the “frontlines of the climate crisis” despite producing less than one percent of planet-warming gases.
“People living in poverty do not have access to, or are unable to afford, electricity for fans or air conditioning units and neither can they afford to buy solar panels,” the report said.
The impact of climate change on vulnerable communities is often overlooked, but this study sheds light on a devastating consequence. As temperatures rise in South Asia, so does the suffering of women and girls who become victims of domestic violence. The findings are a distressing reminder that the climate crisis is not just about melting ice caps and rising sea levels; it is a human crisis that deeply affects the most vulnerable among us.
The study’s data paints a stark picture, revealing the alarming correlation between temperature increase and various forms of abuse. For every degree rise in temperature, rates of physical violence, sexual violence, and domestic violence see significant spikes. The consequences are heartbreaking, as countless lives are shattered and futures are marred by the trauma of abuse.
Furthermore, the report by Amnesty International underscores the urgent need for action. Pakistan, one of the countries most affected by the climate crisis, faces extreme heatwaves that push its people to the brink. The lack of access to electricity, particularly among impoverished communities, exacerbates the suffering, leaving individuals defenseless against the scorching temperatures.
This is not merely a problem of environmental concern; it is a matter of human rights. Global leaders must recognize the interconnectedness of climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities. The fight against domestic violence and the fight against climate change must go hand in hand.
It is our collective responsibility to address this crisis and protect those who are most at risk. Efforts must be made to provide support systems, raise awareness, and implement policies that empower women and girls, ensuring their safety and well-being in the face of a changing climate.
As the world grapples with the climate emergency, it is crucial that we prioritize the voices of survivors and work together to create a sustainable future that upholds dignity, equality, and justice for all. Let us stand united against domestic violence and the climate crisis, striving for a world where no one suffers at the hands of abuse and where the devastating effects of climate change are mitigated with urgency and compassion.