Groundbreaking Research Explores Gendered Wellbeing Amid Climate Change and Urbanisation Risks in Dhaka
Unlocking the secrets of climate change, urbanization, and gendered wellbeing,
In a significant stride towards understanding the intricate relationship between climate change, urbanisation, and gendered wellbeing, Dr Anika Haque (Dept of Environment and Geography) and Dr Helen Elsey (Dept of Health Sciences) were awarded a YESI (York Environmental Sustainability Institute) Knowledge Exchange Fellows Scheme 2022-23 project for their interdisciplinary venture titled "Understanding the 'overlapping' risks of climate change and urbanisation."
The research, centered in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, one of the world's fastest-growing megacities, aimed to shed light on the multifaceted challenges arising from unplanned development and extreme climate change vulnerability. The project focused on the intersection of these risks and their impact on gendered wellbeing.
The interdisciplinary team, composed of experts from environment, development, and health sciences, collaborated with academic and non-governmental organisations in Bangladesh, including ICCCAD, ActionAid Bangladesh, and the ARK Foundation.
The project delved into critical aspects such as how different stakeholders approach overlapping risks concerning gendered wellbeing, identifying enablers and barriers to multi-sectoral actions, and uncovering knowledge and practice gaps hindering effective responses.
Aiming to bridge these gaps, the team organised a multi stakeholder workshop and a capacity building workshop, engaging practitioners, city government officials, and NGO/civil society representatives from the environment, development, and health sectors and conducted a number of interviews. Beyond identifying issues, the project also offered systems thinking training to empower Bangladeshi stakeholders in their efforts to address overlapping risks.
Tragically, the research community mourns the loss of Prof Saleemul Huq, a key project partner from ICCCAD, who passed away shortly after participating in the venture. His contribution remains integral to the project's success.
The outcomes of this groundbreaking research include a Policy Brief and a video vlog, featuring insights from Prof Saleemul Huq. The video serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts and the urgency of addressing the overlapping risks posed by climate change and urbanisation on gendered wellbeing.
In a parallel development, Dr Anika Haque has been awarded the prestigious 2023 AXA IM Research Award for her outstanding work on understanding the impacts of climate change on urbanised and disadvantaged areas in the global South. The award comes with a research fund of €100,000 to further her impactful research, continuing her mission to build a gender-inclusive, climate-resilient urban future.