María Mendiluce’s Post

Today, I stand with the women around the world who are raising their voices for climate action. Women are at the forefront of climate leadership, with many serving as my mentors and inspiration. Women lead over 60% of global grassroots climate movements, and their increased representation in parliaments is linked to stronger climate policies and lower carbon emissions. They are also essential in local adaptation and resilience-building efforts. Yet, the reality remains stark: 80% of those displaced by climate change globally are women, and 70% of the world’s poor are female. As #COP29 begins, I join #WomenLeadingOnClimate in calling for a stronger voice for women in climate negotiations. Let’s ensure that those most impacted are also central in shaping solutions. Catherine McKenna Jane McDonald Laurence Toubiana Teresa Ribera Andrea Meza Valvanera Ulargui Charlotte Gardes-Landolfini Nancy Saich Astrid Matthey Nadia Humphreys Elodie Feller Clemente Humeau Linda Zeilina-Cross and all the wonderful women in the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance and the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy

🌍 Join us at COP29 for a pivotal side-event: "How Women’s Leadership Can Achieve Climate Justice" 🌍 As we gather in Azerbaijan for COP29, the role of women in advancing climate justice has never been more critical. We are excited to host a discussion that will explore the transformative power of women’s leadership in addressing some of the most urgent climate challenges we face today. This event will feature inspiring voices from UNEP and leading NGOs who are driving change on the frontlines of climate action. Our discussion will focus on four key themes: 1️⃣ Climate Refugees & Displacement: How women’s leadership is advocating for justice and dignity for climate refugees and displaced communities. 2️⃣ Protecting Women Activists: Addressing the violence and threats faced by women activists who are challenging exploitative practices in the fight against climate change. 3️⃣ Finance for Climate Action: How women are leading the charge for gender-responsive climate finance, ensuring that the Loss and Damage Fund and adaptation financing work for vulnerable communities. 4️⃣ Transforming Climate Justice at All Levels: From grassroots activism to global policy, how women are changing the conversation on climate justice and influencing solutions at every level. 🔊 This is an opportunity to hear directly from those who are shaping the future of climate policy and empowering women leaders in the fight for a just and sustainable world. We hope to see you there for this important conversation on how women’s leadership is driving real change for the planet and future generations. 🗓️ Date and time: Wednesday 13th November 2024 from 14:30-16:00 📍 Location: Faith Pavilion at COP29 #COP29 #ClimateJustice #WomensLeadership #ClimateAction #GenderEquality #LossAndDamage #ClimateFinance #ClimateRefugees #WomenActivists #Adaptation #GenderResponsivePolicies #ClimateSolutions

IT IS NOT FEMINISM IT’S FACTS & CLIMATE ACTION 🧨 Nothing to add to this great piece in Reuters from Melissa Jun Rowley. 💪🏻 Driving COP action and responsible investments is going to come from all parts for a just transition. This is why I set up SHEChangesClimate France with the leadership of Alice Durand-Réville and the formidable Shivani Kannabhiran Gabrielle Dorey Valentine Schnatter with love & support from Garance Aulagne Delphine Barbier Sainte Marie Marie Vanolli 💫 inspired by the ever elevating leadership of Elise Buckle at SHE Changes Climate Sofia de Meyer Daughters for Earth Kathy Baughman McLeod at Climate Resilience for All and Carine de Meyere and many more Hurry Up Group members seeking action now. “According to research for the World Bank, opens new tab, women leaders take more corporate action to confront climate change. Women are also more likely to build successful organizations that address social needs, and produce a higher return on investment. Unfortunately, investments in women working in climate are scant. Although funders channeled more than $600 billion into climate-related investments in 2021, according to ImpactAlpha, investments intended to address gender inequalities or that specifically supported women-led solutions received less than $20 billion. Adding salt to the wound, only 0.01% of global finance supports gender-responsive initiatives.” Link to the World Bank research in comments

CALLING FOR FACTS & DATA to SUPPORT INVESTMENTS INTO FEMALE LED CLIMATE ACTION Spoiler: we already have some (no excuses) some but need more! 🧨 Nothing to add to this great piece in Reuters from Melissa Jun Rowley expect maybe that we need more! More reports and facts that can remove the opinions amd drive directly to action. Kudos to the The World Bank or Daughters of Earth for supporting more of those ! (Links in comments 👇) 💪🏻 Driving COP action and responsible investments is going to come from all parts and every country for a just transition. France has a role to play 💫 Thank you for the ever elevating leadership Elise Buckle Bianca Pitt Antoinette Vermilye (she/her) Mamta Borgoyary Natalie Sifuma Marie Vanolli Sofia de Meyer Daughters for Earth Carine de Meyere “According to research for the World Bank, opens new tab, women leaders take more corporate action to confront climate change. Women are also more likely to build successful organizations that address social needs, and produce a higher return on investment. Unfortunately, investments in women working in climate are scant. Although funders channeled more than $600 billion into climate-related investments in 2021, according to ImpactAlpha, investments intended to address gender inequalities or that specifically supported women-led solutions received less than $20 billion. Adding salt to the wound, only 0.01% of global finance supports gender-responsive initiatives.” Join us for driving this action and recognition in France!

Women are not just part of the climate conversation; they are leading the charge. Across the globe, women are 2.5 times more likely to be engaged in climate action compared to their male counterparts. This is a powerful force for change that the world cannot afford to overlook. As we approach #COP29, world leaders must match the determination and passion of the women on the frontlines of climate justice. From grassroots organizers to global advocates, women are proving every day that climate action is not only possible, but imperative. Their leadership is not a call for recognition, but a demand for action, for a future where both the planet and its people thrive. At Climate Hub Tanzania , we’re empowering young women to take charge of climate justice in their communities. Through education, advocacy, and innovative projects, we help equip the next generation of women leaders with the tools they need to combat climate change and build sustainable futures. It's time for global leaders to amplify this momentum and match the urgency of these efforts. Climate justice is women's justice, and it’s time for #COP29 to reflect that. #womenareleadingonclimate

Data shows that women leaders lead to more positive environmental and social decisions and outcomes - across levels of decision making: policy, business, community. But only 10 percent of climate finance flows to the local level, only one percent of gender equality funding flows to women’s organizations, and only three percent of environmental philanthropy supports women’s environmental activism (Daniel, 2020). #timeforchange.

Press Release: YouthNet Global Urges Urgent Action at COP29 for Climate Justice and Equity! As UN Climate Conference #COP29 enters its final week in Baku, YouthNet Global has called for immediate, decisive action on the most pressing climate issues facing vulnerable communities worldwide. With the conference marking a critical turning point in global climate negotiations, YouthNet Global is urging world leaders to prioritize climate finance, gender equity, and a Just Transition for all, especially youth and marginalized groups, who are already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of the YouthNet Global, is stressing the importance of fully funding the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) to support workers and communities affected by the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Rahman emphasized that the future of frontline communities hinges on more than just promises—it requires real financial commitments and policies that directly address the needs of the most vulnerable. "Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is here, and it is hitting the most marginalized groups the hardest. This includes youth, women, and gender-diverse populations, who face disproportionate impacts of climate-induced disasters like floods, droughts, and heatwaves. COP29 must translate words into action. We need a climate finance framework that is transparent, equitable, and inclusive," said Rahman. YouthNet Global also highlighted the need for gender-responsive climate policies, especially given the intersection of gender, race, class, and ability in climate impacts. Sohanur reiterated that a gender-transformative approach is crucial for long-term sustainability and resilience. "Women, girls, and gender-diverse populations are at the forefront of climate impacts, yet they are often left out of decision-making processes. This must change. We cannot talk about climate justice without addressing gender inequality. Gender equality is not an 'add-on'; it is central to achieving true climate justice," Rahman added. The organization also expressed concern over the slow progress in key areas, such as the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which aim to ensure adequate financial resources are available for developing countries to adapt to climate change. YouthNet Global called for immediate action to ensure that the financial mechanisms established at COP29 are resilient enough to drive real change in the most affected regions. As the conference draws to a close, YouthNet Global is urging negotiators to ensure that the voices of youth and vulnerable communities are not only heard but acted upon. The organization is calling for a final agreement that is grounded in justice, equity, and climate action that leaves no one behind.

Men from the global minority (yes you read that correctly) largely set the biodiversity and climate agenda. This picture tells that story. It also tells the story of the ongoing systemic machinations of patriarchy and capitalism; colonialism and globalisation; operating together to deny blak and brown women their rightful voices. The Nature Conservancy supports Nature’s Leading Women to advance gender equity in climate and biodiversity and it’s an honour and a relief, to be honest, to be working with them. Returning to the photo of the COP 29 “family”, you can clearly see there is much work to be done. It’s not just how things seem, it’s how they are! Since 1995, only 5 women have been appointed UNFCC COP President. At last count (this stat from COP26) men spoke for 75% of the time. So no surprises that only 0.2% of global climate finance reaches women-led projects. For shame! Thanks to TNC, 60 women from across the pacific and beyond have come together at the Asia Pacific Triennial and at the Nature’s Leading Women Learning Exchange 2024 to grow and strengthen our movement and build our own solutions. Ngawu - this is true and good!

"According to research for the World Bank, women leaders take more corporate action to confront climate change. Women are also more likely to build successful organizations that address social needs, and produce a higher return on investment. Unfortunately, investments in women working in climate are scant. Although funders channeled more than $600 billion into climate-related investments in 2021, according to ImpactAlpha, investments intended to address gender inequalities or that specifically supported women-led solutions received less than $20 billion. Adding salt to the wound, only 0.01% of global finance supports gender-responsive initiatives. While the above numbers are dismal, they needn’t be the end of the story. The private sector can take action. As companies revisit their climate pledges and strategies, they can incorporate funding women-led climate projects directly." ******************************************** Lots of climate solutions are not simple. This one is. The data backs this up left and right. Everyone benefits from investment in women and women-led organizations that address climate and biodiversity challenges. We can do this💥 When women are climate resilient, we will all be climate resilient. Climate Resilience for All SHE Changes Climate Thank you Melissa Jun Rowley & Zainab Salbi for the powerful clarity.🙏