Intersecting marginalizations amplify adolescent girls’ climate change vulnerabilities in Kilifi, Kenya

Adolescent girls in climate-vulnerable regions experience compounded impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety. Guided by an intersectional health framework, this study examines how climate-related stressors amplify existing gender and age-based vulnerabilities among adolescent girls. We conducted four focus group discussions with 36 adolescent girls aged 14 to 17 living in two agrarian communities, Ganze and Magarini Sub-Counties of Kilifi County, Kenya. Using thematic analysis, we analyzed focus group transcripts and identified major themes and subthemes. We identified four major themes associated with the impact of climate change on adolescent girls. (1) Climate change exacerbated the deprivation of basic necessities, including financial insecurity, food and water scarcity, limited healthcare access, and housing insecurity. (2) Adverse health outcomes were prevalent, with increased risks of unwanted pregnancies, infectious diseases (malaria, cholera), malnutrition, and heightened vulnerability to HIV/STIs. (3) Climate-related stressors also led to a heightened risk of violence, encompassing child marriage, sexual exploitation, rape, and physical abuse. (4) Finally, educational disruptions were significant, as girls faced increased household responsibilities, financial barriers to school fees, and educational neglect due to unmet basic needs. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in this region due to climate change. These interventions should focus on improving access to healthcare, education, and resources to ensure the well-being of adolescent girls in the face of climate change.