Question 6: Case Study Using three different strands of environmentalism

Question 1

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE

Answer 1

SUMMARY OF ARTICLE: This article explores how climate change and gender inequality are interconnected, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It argues that women are disproportionately affected by climate change due to existing patriarchal structures, social inequalities, and limited access to resources like healthcare, education, and energy. It uses Amartya Sen’s capability approach to frame the issue, focusing on how women’s real freedoms (capabilities) to live well are reduced by environmental stress. Women’s access to food, energy, clean water, and income are often constrained by social norms and their unequal roles in society. For instance, women in rural areas often stay behind to farm while men migrate, yet face declining agricultural productivity due to climate shifts. Energy poverty is highlighted as a major barrier. Without access to clean energy, women rely on solid fuels, which leads to health issues and lost time that could be used for education or income-generating activities. The article stresses that climate change solutions must be gender-sensitive. Gender-responsive policies should aim to increase women’s capabilities, not just access to resources, enabling them to adapt and thrive.

Question 2

Reform Environmentalism:

Answer 2

Reform Environmentalism looks at how climate change affects women more because of social and economic inequalities. Supporters want policies and sustainable development plans that help women specifically, making sure climate solutions are fair. They also push for global cooperation to support developing countries, where women often face greater challenges. Their main goal is to protect the environment while also reducing social inequalities.

Question 3

Ecologism

Answer 3

Ecologism sees the gendered effects of climate change as part of a bigger problem—how humans dominate both nature and marginalized people. It argues that both environmental damage and gender inequality come from a human-centered mindset focused on control. Ecologists believe we need a deep shift in values to respect both nature and all people equally. Instead of just fixing climate change, they want to challenge the systems that cause both environmental harm and social injustice. They often compare how nature is exploited to how women and other marginalized groups are treated.

Question 4

Socialist Ecologism:

Answer 4

Socialist Ecologism links the gendered effects of climate change to capitalism and patriarchy. It argues that the push for profit harms the environment and hurts women more, since they often face greater social and economic challenges. This view calls for both social justice and environmental protection, saying we can’t fix the climate without also ending exploitation and inequality. Supporters highlight how women’s roles make them especially vulnerable to climate change and push for empowering women and changing the economy to be fairer and greener.