Colette Mortreux , Yoshiko Yamaguchi, Angela Saunders, Jon Barnett, Sergio Jarillo, Elissa Waters

Empirical evidence on the gendered impacts of climate change is limited, particularly in the islands of the Pacific. This paper presents findings from fieldwork in the Republic of Marshall Islands that engaged with 1362 participants from 15 atolls. The data provides four clear findings. First, that men and women’s livelihoods are heavily impacted by climate change, with reduced incomes shifting household dynamics and opportunities. Second, that climate change is increasing the burden that women carry related to their domestic and caring responsibilities. Third, that climate change impacts are increasing the risk of gender-based violence as household insecurity amplifies. Fourth, that despite the gendered nature of vulnerability, women in the Republic of Marshall Islands have relatively high adaptive capacity. Women are typically highly active in community projects and have powerful insight into how to reduce climate change vulnerability in their communities. The findings from this research highlight the need for gender sensitive adaptation policy, that support both men and women’s livelihoods, provide wrap-around social support services and increase women’s influence in community decision making.