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Smog, Heatwaves, and the Feminized Face of Climate Distress: Psychological, Geographical, and Engineering Perspectives of Women’s Vulnerability in Central Punjab

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  • Ayesha Jabbar, Amina Mauzzam, Sahar Zia,Ali Hussain Kazi

    (University of Okara, Department of Psychology, Okara, 53600, Pakistan. Lahore College for Women University, Department of Appplied Psychology, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. Lahore College for Women Univpersity, Department of Geography, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. University of Engineering and Technology, Automotive Engineering Centre, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan)

Abstract

In Central Punjab, Pakistan, the rising impacts of climate change, especially frequent heat waves and smog, pose extreme risks to human health. Their impact on women is not gender-neutral; in highly populated regions with socioeconomic limitations, women are disproportionately affected. This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating psychology, geography, and environmental engineering to assess women’s vulnerability to climate change. Based on a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with women of different ages, professions, and socioeconomic statuses in the urban and semi-urban districts of Central Punjab. Thematic analysis revealed three main areas of vulnerability: psychological distress, risks associated with geography, and inadequate infrastructure. Women frequently experienced increased anxiety, helplessness, and trauma linked to long-term exposure to extreme heat and environmental pollution. Geographical mapping of participants’ residences showed that women living in low-income areas faced greater exposure due to congested housing, lack of green cover, and high levels of vehicle emissions. Their susceptibility was further exacerbated by engineering-related shortcomings, such as poor ventilation, ineffective early warning systems, and unsafe transport in urban environments. These overlapping stressors collectively limited women’s mobility, increased their role strain, and weakened their ability to adapt. The results highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive, climate-resilient infrastructure and public health interventions. The integration of psychological support, inclusive urban planning, and community sensitization is essential to strengthen women’s resilience to climate-related risks. This interdisciplinary perspective underscores that addressing climate distress requires closing social, spatial, and technological gaps to reduce the disproportionate burden women face from increasing environmental degradation.

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  • Ayesha Jabbar, Amina Mauzzam, Sahar Zia,Ali Hussain Kazi, 2025. "Smog, Heatwaves, and the Feminized Face of Climate Distress: Psychological, Geographical, and Engineering Perspectives of Women’s Vulnerability in Central Punjab," International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology, 50sea, vol. 7(9), pages 356-368, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:abq:ijist1:v:7:y:2025:i:9:p:356-368
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ashlee Cunsolo & Neville R. Ellis, 2018. "Ecological grief as a mental health response to climate change-related loss," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 8(4), pages 275-281, April.
    2. Leeann Kuehn & Sabrina McCormick, 2017. "Heat Exposure and Maternal Health in the Face of Climate Change," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-13, July.
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