Gender vulnerability and climate adaptation in high mountain regions: evidence from remote valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan

This study explores the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations in Gilgit-Baltistan with a particular focus on gender inequality and adaptation measures. Using a mixed research method, this study explores how climate events, especially glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), altered precipitation patterns, and increased temperature disproportionally impact women in the remote regions. Data were collected through household surveys and interviews with the local communities in Darkut and Sosat valleys in Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan. Results of the study show that despite men and women experiencing livelihood disruption, women undergo added difficulty considering prevailing socio-cultural norms, curtailed accessibility to resources, and limited mobility. This analysis underlines the utmost importance of gender-sensitive adaptation policies and grassroots level resilience plans. It also highlights the need to bridge Indigenous knowledge and scientific approaches for a local increase in adaptive capacity.