Is Gender Inequality Intensified by Climate Crises Like the LA Wildfires?

The devastating wildfires currently raging through Los Angeles have left a profound impact on the region, claiming at least 24 lives, displacing over 200,000 people, and consuming 35,000 hectares in just three days. Beginning in the Pacific Palisades on January 7, these wildfires, among the worst in the city’s history, have also led to staggering economic losses estimated at $50 billion. The fires, exacerbated by dangerous winds and unprecedented drought conditions, remain largely uncontained, leaving communities vulnerable to further destruction. Yet, these disasters, while devastating, are not inevitable; they are the result of compounding human actions and policy failures.

The distinction between "natural hazard" and "natural disaster" is critical. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), natural hazards—such as wildfires, earthquakes, and tsunamis—only escalate into disasters when their impacts are unaddressed. In the case of Los Angeles, a combination of factors, including the replacement of native fire-resistant vegetation with invasive species, the privatization of California’s water resources, and the continuation of fossil fuel extraction, has amplified the severity of these fires. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) attributes the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires to “hotter droughts and unusually warm temperatures,” a direct consequence of climate change. In fact, most of California's severe wildfires have occurred within the last few years, underscoring the escalating risks posed by a warming planet.

The effects of wildfires are not felt equally. Research consistently shows that marginalized communities, particularly women and girls, bear the brunt of climate disasters. During emergencies, pre-existing inequalities and systemic discrimination are magnified, leading to heightened vulnerability. In the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Katrina, rates of domestic violence and sexual assault surged, and similar patterns are evident in Los Angeles. Women living on the streets—especially women of color, who constitute a significant portion of the city's estimated 75,000 unhoused individuals—face daily threats of violence, exploitation, and trafficking. The destruction caused by the fires further exacerbates these dangers, leaving many women without even the minimal safety nets they relied on.

Beyond physical displacement, wildfires pose severe health risks, particularly to pregnant women. Studies link wildfire smoke to increased rates of preterm births and low birth weights. Additionally, the compromised air and water quality—laden with toxic and carcinogenic particles—worsens respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. These effects ripple through communities, deepening existing health disparities and straining already limited resources.

In times of stability, women often serve as primary caregivers. During crises, this role expands exponentially, placing additional emotional, physical, and financial burdens on them. Women manage the care of children, the elderly, and the sick, often while navigating their own traumas. They are the ones preparing evacuation plans, gathering essential items, and coordinating recovery efforts—tasks that are largely uncompensated and undervalued. Even those fortunate enough to retain their homes face the monumental task of managing insurance claims and rebuilding their lives, responsibilities that disproportionately fall on women.

My sister, who resides in Los Angeles, provided a firsthand account of the stark inequalities exacerbated by the wildfires. She described a city marked by glaring contrasts: opulent mansions adjacent to sprawling homeless encampments, and luxury juxtaposed with deprivation. For the unhoused, the fires have intensified an already dire situation, leaving them with nowhere to turn. Without access to adequate protective equipment, clean air, or safe shelter, these individuals face unimaginable hardships.

The gendered impact of wildfires is not unique to Los Angeles. Globally, climate disasters disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in conflict zones like Palestine. Here, women—already burdened by societal and legal barriers—are further marginalized during crises, lacking access to essential resources such as shelter, menstrual health products, and contraceptives. These parallels highlight the universal need for gender-responsive approaches to disaster management.

The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic change. Addressing climate disasters requires a multifaceted approach: implementing sustainable land management practices, investing in indigenous climate care techniques, and prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities. It also necessitates holding policymakers accountable for decisions that prioritize profit over people and the planet. By acknowledging the preventable nature of these disasters and addressing the systemic inequalities they expose, we can work toward a more equitable and sustainable future—one where no community is left to face the flames alone.

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