Women in Climate
How a diverse coalition of leaders is driving inclusive, collaborative and innovative solutions to climate change built on intersectional equity.
When we say women, we mean all women—transgender, cisgender, straight, queer—all of whom bring unique experiences and perspectives to this conversation.
To save the planet, climate solutions need to be more inclusive, collaborative and innovative. That’s where women come in.
As part of TNC’s comprehensive climate strategy, Women in Climate is uniting women from all backgrounds to solve the climate crisis. We do this through innovation labs, facilitated networks and policy workshops.
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Women are fighting for the environment in every sector—as scientists, legislators, tribal leaders, CEOs—and leading major victories for our planet.
Women offer powerful skills and perspectives that can shift the dynamic of the climate conversation and open new opportunities for collaboration. We believe that applying women’s leadership to the issues surrounding climate change will provide a platform for innovative thought, collaborative discussions and much needed action.
Women leaders played a critical role in negotiating the Paris Agreement and continue to drive ambitious climate action in cities, businesses and NGOs around the world. Women make up more than half the world’s population and are often disproportionately impacted by climate change. Their leadership and participation are, therefore, critical in solving this global crisis.
Our goal is to create the space for women to innovate and collaborate in a way that only women can.
Impactful, Strategic and Innovative
Sara E. Mhyre of the Rowan Institute called the 2018 Innovation Lab, "the most impactful, strategic, innovative and emotional experience I have had as a scientific leader." Read More
We seek nothing less than transformative change that slashes greenhouse gas emissions and enables communities worldwide to deal with the impacts of a more volatile climate. To catalyze this change, we have hosted high-level, multiday summits, bringing together business, tribal, scientific, political, nonprofit and social justice leaders. Facilitated by inspirational speakers and professional moderators, these gatherings provide space for women to brainstorm innovative climate change solutions, devise plans to implement them, and forge new alliances to socialize and replicate them in other geographies.
Innovations labs are fluid and can be adjusted according to the group convened. Here, real solutions focused on intersectionality, climate policy and natural climate solution are developed and vetted for advancement.
Quote: Lynn Scarlett
Women in Climate catalyzes unique and insightful conversations with people from widely diverse backgrounds, including those from Indigenous communities, science, political campaigns, communications and conservation.
The first Women in Climate innovation lab took place in 2018 in Seattle.
More than 60 women leaders primarily from Alaska, Hawai‘i, Oregon and Washington, to generate and accelerate solutions for climate change.
In 2019, we held the second and third Women in Climate innovation labs, drawing female and non-binary leaders from Connecticut and Alaska working within industry, social justice, science, academia and politics to advance climate solutions.
In 2020 and 2021, due to concerns around Covid-19, we adapted our event to a virtual series and focused on the need for equitable climate solutions.
In September 2022, Women in Climate convened women leaders from the U.S. fishing industry and community to work on issues surrounding the ever-changing impacts of climate change.
The group was a cross-section of a diverse community—including fishers, scientists, artists and communicators and representing all corners of the U.S., from New England to Alaska to Hawaii.
Participants worked in small groups on three key issues:
- Ensuring all voices are included;
- Obtaining and using data and science; and
- Advancing inclusive policy for a more resilient fishing industry.
Beyond events, Women in Climate participants stay activated with a diverse network to share resources and inspiration.
Women in Climate hosts a global network of practitioners who act as a resource to each other and to external entities working on climate change. Our current work is to develop ways to leverage the network for high impact climate solutions.
We know that women can uncover solutions that we have yet to imagine. Women in Climate is the catalyst of a movement: women engaging more women, innovation inspiring further creativity and a network of expanding support for women everywhere to take action on this great challenge.
Women in Climate Needs More Voices
A groundswell of women rising to tackle climate change is critical to solving this global crisis. Contact us to find out how you can support this work or learn more about joining the network.