Question of the Day – CLIMATE STRESS ON WOMEN AND THE EVOLVING GLOBAL HEALTH RESPONSE
QOTD April 22,2026
Consider the following statements regarding climate stress and its impact on women
- Women are more vulnerable to climate stress due to socio economic and biological factors
- Climate change has no significant impact on maternal and reproductive health
- Gender responsive health systems are being promoted globally to address climate related vulnerabilities
Which of the above statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Women often face higher risks due to limited access to resources healthcare and decision making along with biological vulnerabilities such as pregnancy
Statement 2 is incorrect
Climate change significantly affects maternal and reproductive health through malnutrition heat stress and increased disease exposure
Statement 3 is correct
Global institutions are emphasizing gender responsive healthcare systems to reduce climate induced health risks for women
Why in news–
Climate change is increasingly being recognized not only as an environmental issue but also as a public health crisis with gendered impacts. Recent global discussions have highlighted how climate stress—such as heatwaves, floods, and food insecurity—disproportionately affects women due to biological, social, and economic vulnerabilities. International organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations are pushing for gender-responsive health systems and policies to address these inequities, especially in developing countries.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements
- Heatwaves increase the risk of complications during pregnancy
- Women in rural areas are less affected by climate induced resource scarcity
- Climate change can increase the spread of vector borne diseases affecting women
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Extreme heat is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm births
Statement 2 is incorrect
Rural women are often more affected due to dependence on natural resources and limited access to alternatives
Statement 3 is correct
Climate change expands habitats for vectors like mosquitoes increasing disease burden
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding global health response to climate change
- Integration of climate adaptation into public health systems is being promoted
- Climate change is addressed only under environmental treaties and not health frameworks
- Strengthening primary healthcare is considered essential for climate resilience
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Health systems are being adapted to respond to climate related risks
Statement 2 is incorrect
Climate change is now integrated into health frameworks as well including WHO initiatives
Statement 3 is correct
Strong primary healthcare helps communities respond effectively to climate stress
PQ3.Consider the following statements
- Food insecurity caused by climate change can disproportionately affect women’s nutrition
- Migration due to climate change has no gender specific impacts
- Access to clean water is a gender neutral issue in climate discourse
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Women often eat last and least in resource scarce settings increasing malnutrition risks
Statement 2 is incorrect
Climate migration has gendered impacts including increased vulnerability to exploitation
Statement 3 is incorrect
Women are primarily responsible for water collection in many societies making them more affected
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Consider the following statements regarding climate change and health impacts
- Climate change can increase the incidence of vector borne diseases
- Rising temperatures have no impact on human mortality rates
- Extreme weather events can disrupt healthcare services
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Climate change influences the distribution of vectors such as mosquitoes
Statement 2 is incorrect
Heatwaves and extreme temperatures significantly increase mortality rates
Statement 3 is correct
Floods cyclones and other disasters can damage health infrastructure and disrupt services