Women Face Higher Health Risks During Global Heatwaves

Women experience more severe health impacts from heatwaves than men due to a combination of physiological and social factors [1, 2].

This disparity is critical as heatwaves become longer, deadlier, and more frequent globally [1, 2]. Addressing these gender-specific vulnerabilities is essential for developing effective public health responses and emergency protocols during extreme weather events.

Physiological differences play a significant role in how the body manages extreme heat. Research indicates that women often have lower sweat rates and higher core temperatures compared to men [1, 2]. These biological traits can hinder the body's ability to cool itself efficiently, increasing the risk of heat-related illness [1, 2].

Social factors further exacerbate these risks. Occupational exposure and caregiving duties often place women in environments where they are more susceptible to heat stress [1, 2]. Because women frequently manage domestic care, they may have less autonomy to seek cooling centers, or modify their exposure to high temperatures during peak heat hours [1, 2].

The trend is observed across various regions experiencing intensified heatwave events [1, 2]. The intersection of biological susceptibility and social roles creates a compounding effect, leading to higher rates of mortality for women during these climatic events [1, 2].

Public health experts said that current heat-mitigation strategies may not fully account for these differences. By recognizing that women are disproportionately affected, policymakers can better tailor warnings and interventions to protect vulnerable populations [1, 2].