Gendered Consequences of Climate Change in Rural Yakutia

Abstract

A survey of rural communities in North and Central Yakutia provides an opportunity to identify and analyze the social consequences of natural disasters related to climate change, with a focus on the gender dimension. It was found that in situations of natural disasters archaic patterns of gender behavior tend to appear. The social anxiety of rural residents differentiates by gender. The shrinking of “living space” is noted by representatives of both sexes: the reduction of the areas of hayfields, pastures, deterioration of the transport and communications infrastructure under the influence of climatic changes. The men, mostly middle-aged and older, are concerned about the prospect of the loss of traditional occupations. Men consider it necessary to preserve traditional occupations and are more oriented to stay in ancestral lands. The women of these age groups are more concerned about the threats to health and safety associated with the effects of climate change. Women are more willing than men to change either location or occupation or both. The gender and age gap in life strategies is a serious threat to the safety (sustainability) of the rural communities of Yakutia.