Asia and the Pacific

Heatwaves across Asia and the Pacific are becoming longer, more intense, and more frequent, increasing risks for women, disabled people, the elderly, children, outdoor workers, informal workers, and low-income individuals who lack access to cooling measures. As the body works harder to dissipate heat through sweat evaporation, the strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to serious health complications. Heatwaves can also cause heat syncope, heat rashes, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion, all of which can escalate to heatstroke if not properly addressed. Statistics reveal a significant gender gap in access to cooling, with 60% more women lacking access compared to men, increasing their risk of mortality and morbidity. A one-degree rise in maternal heat exposure is associated with a higher risk of stillbirth, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and neural tube defects. Extreme heat can also disrupt hormonal balances, further complicating reproductive health challenges. Across the region, women make up the majority of agricultural workers, and prolonged heat exposure has been linked to kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Socioeconomic inequalities, including financial stress, further contribute to anxiety and psychological distress by limiting coping capacities. Addressing this crisis requires gender-responsive adaptation measures, including investment in data and knowledge, integration of gender differences in data collection and analysis, consideration of women’s specific health needs, accessible communication channels, and safe cooling shelters. It also demands coordinated, intersectional action, including gender-responsive labor protections, equitable urban planning, mobile health services, telephone check-ups, and specialized training for first responders and healthcare personnel on the impacts of extreme heat on women and children, including nutritional, mental health, and gender-based violence support needs.