Climate change, young women, and girls: vulnerability, impacts and adaptation in Northern Thailand

This report seeks to address a major research gap by adopting an intersectionality approach to better understand the different climate risks, vulnerabilities, adaptation and resilience among people of different ages and different genders. In particular, this report aims to shed light on the specific climate change challenges faced by young women and girls in Northern Thailand whose experiences are not only influenced by age and gender, but also by poverty, legal status, ethnicity, language and education.

Producing scientific evidence of the specific and unique challenges faced by girls and young women in these communities is vital for demonstrating to decision-makers, donors and development actors the necessity of gender-sensitive and child-centred adaptation policies, programmes and financing, including meaningful participation of girls and young women throughout all decision-making processes. Policy and action on gender-sensitive and childcentred climate change adaptation (CCA) is urgently needed to support the millions of girls and young women worldwide facing extreme vulnerability and poverty; very few adaptation initiatives targeting girls and young women exist, despite their acute vulnerability.

The next section of the report presents findings from a literature review conducted on existing knowledge on climate change, age and gender. This section is followed by the presentation of the research methodology and the results and analysis of the field research conducted in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Lastly, the report offers conclusions and recommendations for more targeted action on climate change that builds the resilience of young women and girls.