Of Water and Fever: How Climate Change is Disproportionately Affecting Women’s Reproductive Health Through Saltwater Intrusion

The rising sea levels, a result of climate change, are causing saline water to move further inland, contaminating drinking water sources and forcing people to migrate from rural areas to urban centers. This phenomenon is not limited to Bangladesh alone as other countries like Egypt, Vietnam, and the U.S. are also experiencing similar threats from rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion.

Women in Bangladesh are particularly affected by saltwater intrusion, leading to reproductive health issues such as irregular menstrual cycles and infections. According to Zoya Teirstein and Mahadi Al Hasnat reporting for Grist, Vox, and The 19th, women’s reproductive health is disproportionately affected by this global health crisis.

The situation is dire as captured by Zion Bodrud-Doza, a researcher at the University of Guelph: “The people are trapped. When you don’t have water to drink, how do you live?” As sea levels continue to rise and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources poses a significant threat to communities worldwide. It is crucial that we take action now to mitigate these impacts on vulnerable populations’ health and well-being. The article “Of water and fever” sheds light on this pressing issue and emphasizes the urgent need for solutions to protect those affected by climate change-induced saltwater intrusion.