Mapping the Nexus Between Women, Ethnic Groups and Environmental Vulnerability

Environmental disruptions are intensifying social inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-descendant communities. This systematic review synthesizes causal evidence on how these dynamics intersect with health, human capital, and adaptive capacity. Findings reveal that extreme climatic conditions exacerbate vulnerabilities, leading to heightened health riskssuch as pregnancy complications and intergenerational effectsand undermining educational attainment and income generation. Structural barriers further constrain the ability of marginalized groups to recover from economic losses and access adaptation strategies. Evidence underscores the importance of empowering women in decision-making and safeguarding Indigenous land rights as pathways to resilience, while highlighting persistent gaps in understanding the economic impacts on Indigenous and Afro-descendant populations. Although traditional ecological knowledge shows promise for ecosystem stewardship, its integration into formal mitigation frameworks remains underexplored. Addressing these knowledge gaps is critical for designing equitable policies that strengthen public services, promote inclusive adaptation, and advance sustainable development.