ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on societal groups that require special protection in the face of climatic challenges, in particular, women, children, indigenous peoples, and migrants. It explores the role of vulnerable groups in developing appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation policies can be understood as programs to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from risks associated with the impacts of climate change, it is also important to take gender-specific division of labor into account when analyzing the situation of women. In times of a changing climate, women are confronted with increased pressure with respect to the work tasks they have to complete. Because children are in the process of physiological and psychological development, they are more vulnerable to harm caused by environmental and climate hazards. They are more susceptible than adults to air pollution, to infection and diseases, to malnutrition, and to lack of clean drinking water and sanitation.