Health impacts of climate change on gender diverse populations: A scoping review

Purpose To determine what is known about climate change health effects for gender diverse (GD) populations, and identify gaps in research, practice, education, and policy. Design/Methods A scoping review was conducted. Findings Twenty-seven information sources met inclusion criteria. Natural disasters and inadequate disaster relief responses were identified as an overarching health threat for GD populations. Within this theme, four sub-themes emerged. No other climate-related health impacts for GD populations were mentioned in the sources reviewed. Conclusions There are major gaps in knowledge about health implications of climate change for GD populations. Gender-sensitive data must be collected in order to better understand these threats and detect disparities. Currently most practice and policy recommendations focus on disaster relief. More research on the broad effects of climate change on GD populations is urgently needed to inform practice and policy. Clinical relevance Climate change amplifies existing risks of adverse health outcomes. Because of discrimination, stigma, and violence, gender diverse individuals are particularly vulnerable.