Climate change is a crisis that will impact all people, but its effects are being shaped by pervasive and entrenched inequalities. The poorest countries, communities of color, small island states, and indigenous peoples are impacted earlier and disproportionately, although they are least responsible for emissions. Gender inequalities are further exacerbated by climate change, as women and girls continue to lack equal rights, power, of access to capital. Low Income Countries lack the same access to inexpensive energy and investment in technology and skills that industrialized nations took advantage of over the last century.

Finally, there is a deep injustice to nature itself, in the loss of biodiversity and the rapid extinction of so many species. Children and young people have been left with an uncertain—and likely unsafe—future.

Governments, corporations, investors, cities and communities will need to harness the ambition necessary to meet this moment. As usual, women are leading the way.

Panelists:

Gina McCarthy, The White House

Gloria Walton, The Solutions Project

Mary Robinson, The Elders

Wanjira Mathai, World Resources Institute

Xiye Bastida, Fridays for Future

Moderated by Pat Mitchell

Highlights

“There are actually very many layers within what we call climate justice because it springs from injustice. … It’s women’s leadership in my experience of how we have made a difference, because we take a people-centered justice approach. This is a human-centered problem. … Unless we focus on the injustice we’re not going to bring about moving forward with equality, with justice and with sustainability.” — Mary Robinson

“BIPOC communities are feeling the brunt of these systemic injustices viscerally. And this is why environmental justice communities are demanding systemic transformation of all the systems that are causing harm and literally killing us. …[S]olutions are often intersectional in addressing multiple issues and problems at once.” — Gloria Walton

“Climate striking is about knowing that you’re not alone in fighting the climate crisis and knowing that there are people who you can rely on and knowing that each person represents a solution, an idea.” — Xiye Bastida

“Climate change IS about people. It really is about greed, selfishness and apathy that we do not crack through the real issues that matter.” —Wanjira Mathai

“I am deeply grateful for the hope with which I am leaving this conversation, because I deeply believe that women will be the ones on the front lines leading urgently and sustainably for just and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.” — Pat Mitchell

This session was curated in partnership with Pat Mitchell.