Research indicates that the climate crisis significantly impacts women’s reproductive health. However, the interactions and linkages between these two issues have not been adequately addressed in many development activities.
In 2022-2023, IPAS Indonesia partnered with Hasanuddin University to conduct a research study on the climate crisis and reproductive health in Central Sulawesi Province. Utilizing qualitative and participatory approaches, our findings revealed that the water crisis caused by climate change has led to numerous disturbances and infections in women’s reproductive health systems.
One significant impact of the climate crisis is the increased risk of pregnancy complications. This includes a high incidence of hemorrhage, miscarriage, abortion, and childbirth complications.
Furthermore, the climate crisis also contributes to an increase in sexual violence within households and communities. Job losses due to unproductive land caused by climate change further contribute to this issue. Men often experience a loss of dignity due to patriarchal notions of being the sole provider. 
However, these valuable insights have not been fully integrated into climate crisis intervention programs that directly address reproductive health and gender justice.
Therefore, IPAS Indonesia is actively consolidating efforts with environmental organizations to raise awareness of the alarming link between the climate crisis and its potential to trigger a health crisis, particularly among vulnerable communities who are highly affected by environmental factors and lack access to adequate healthcare services.
On March 19, 2024, IPAS Indonesia organized a research dissemination event involving environmental organizations in Jakarta. The objective of this event was to raise awareness and disseminate IPAS Indonesia’s research findings on the intersection between the climate crisis and reproductive health.
“It is deeply regrettable that the climate crisis, which is fundamentally a health crisis, has long been overlooked in discussions concerning climate change,” stated Sudirman Nasir, S.Ked., MWH., Ph.D., a lecturer and senior researcher from Hasanuddin University.
The climate crisis has exacerbated gender and social inequalities
Khalisa Khalid, Public Engagement and Action Manager at Greenpeace Indonesia, in sharing her insights on the IPAS research, highlighted the profound connection between the climate crisis and women’s issues.
“This research highlights how gender justice is intrinsically linked to the complexities of the climate crisis. It is crucial for environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, to delve deeper into these impacts at the community level,” Khalisa emphasized.
Responding to the research findings, Arianto Sangadji, a researcher from Ecological Action and People’s Emancipation, stated that disasters triggered by climate change exacerbate class disparities within society. During disasters, these class differences become more pronounced, particularly as vital agricultural infrastructure is often destroyed.
“I believe the key issue is… the climate crisis must be a priority, and the solution lies in changing our system. The current system, which over-exploits natural resources, is the root cause of climate problems. We live in a capitalist system, and this needs to be rectified; otherwise, resolving the problem will become increasingly difficult,” he explained.
He emphasized the necessity of systemic change because, in addition to being significantly impacted by the climate crisis, Indonesia is also a substantial emitter of greenhouse gases. “It is important to remember that when we speak of the climate crisis, we are referring to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” he concluded.
Promoting Reproductive Justice
Advancing climate justice, gender justice, and reproductive justice simultaneously is paramount. A study conducted by IPAS Indonesia Foundation and Unhas reinforces how the issues of Reproductive Justice and the climate crisis are interconnected. This means that Reproductive Justice will never be achieved if Climate and Gender Justice are not also realized. Therefore, advancing climate justice, gender justice, and reproductive justice simultaneously is paramount. This requires strong collaboration, especially from environmental and health organizations, to strengthen community resilience.
IPAS Indonesia will collaborate with organizations advocating for gender justice, environmental organizations, and local institutions to launch an innovative pilot project on climate and reproductive justice in 44 villages in Central Sulawesi over the next three years. Our goal is to empower women, enabling them not only to survive but also to thrive in the face of climate change challenges.