A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND GENDER JUSTICE

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, affecting human rights, social equality, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Its impacts are not distributed equally among individuals and communities, as gender, socioeconomic status, education, and access to resources significantly influence vulnerability and resilience. Women, particularly those belonging to marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, often experience disproportionate consequences due to unequal access to land, employment, healthcare, education, and decision-making opportunities. This study critically examines the relationship between climate change and gender justice within the Indian constitutional and legal framework. It explores how climate-induced disasters, environmental degradation, water scarcity, agricultural instability, and displacement intensify existing gender inequalities and increase women's economic, social, and caregiving burdens. The study further analyses the relevance of constitutional principles, including equality, dignity, the right to life, and environmental protection, in addressing gender-based climate vulnerabilities. It evaluates the effectiveness of existing environmental laws, government policies, and institutional mechanisms in promoting gender-responsive climate governance and ensuring equitable access to adaptation resources and climate finance. The research adopts a doctrinal and analytical approach, drawing upon constitutional provisions, judicial decisions, legal principles, policy frameworks, and relevant scholarly literature. It also highlights the importance of women's participation in climate decision-making, gender-sensitive budgeting, effective legal accountability, and inclusive adaptation strategies. The study ultimately emphasizes the need to integrate gender justice into climate policies and legal institutions to ensure substantive equality, environmental sustainability, and the protection of vulnerable communities. It seeks to contribute to a more inclusive and rights-based approach to climate governance in India.