The Gendered Politics Of Climate Change: How Patriarchal Power Structures Shape Environmental Degradation

Abstract

This study examines the connection between patriarchy, power relations and climate change. It states that the problem of climate change and degradation of the environment is not a purely scientific and technical problem but goes far back into social and political inequalities. The ghost of capitalist Europe, by relying on green political theory and ecofeminist though, shows how the patriarchal power structure in society aggravates environment crisis through centralization of decision-making power, marginalization of women and constructions of unsustainable models of development. In a qualitative case study approach characterized by a set of in-depth interviews, the paper puts forward the exact accounts of a group of people who work in environmental and academic fields in Pakistan. The data indicate that environmental degradation is organically connected with inequality in gender relations and power structure, making it necessary to introduce inclusive and gender-sensitive climate policies. This paper is part of the literature that continues to highlight the importance of taking care of structural inequalities in the pursuit of environmental justice and sustainability.