Making future in a changing climate: Maternal experiences of environmental risk and coping strategies in Barcelona

Abstract (English)

The effects of climate change and pollution on reproductive, maternal, and child health are growing concerns, particularly in urban areas that host most of the world’s population. While these issues are gaining attention in public health research and mainstream media, there is a scarcity of knowledge on women’s everyday experiences and strategies in navigating these already tangible challenges. We explore how the urban environment of Barcelona, with its specific situated challenges, shapes the experiences and responsibilities of pregnant and lactating individuals living in the city. Through an analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 34 women, we examine how they perceive their environment, their own and their children’s health and wellbeing, as well as their strategies to mitigate the perceived risks. The findings reveal that the concept of the city’s environment is broad, encompassing gender, socioeconomic, urban, and even tourism-related constraints that are inextricably linked with pollution and climate change. We also highlight how social and economic inequalities influence women’s concerns and strategies in the face of environmental risks, emphasising the importance of a focus on environmental reproductive justice. Finally, we challenge the concept of “environmental anxieties” and instead opt for a frame that recognises that women’s environmental concerns are usually deeply rooted in tangible present experiences rather than abstract, distant projections.