Women leaders discuss climate action in the time of Covid-19
While the world is on pause to fight the coronavirus pandemic, we have an opportunity to consider what kind of a world we want to live in. Can our economic recovery be used to drive solidarity and climate action?
This question was at the heart of ActionAid and Women’s Agenda’s second Women Leading Climate Action online discussion. Angela Priestly moderated the conversation between guests: Natalie Isaacs, founder and CEO of 1 Million Women; Katerina Kimmorley, cofounder of Pollinate Energy; and Niranjali Amerasinghe, Executive Director of ActionAid USA.
The Covid-19 crisis has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities in the same way that climate change does. Those living in poor communities and marginalised groups are hit hardest and women will bear the brunt while having less access to decision making.
Long-time climate activist, Niranjali Amerasinghe called for global cooperation to fix systemic issues at the nexus of the health and climate crises.
“Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. Covid-19 is also a global problem that requires global solidarity. We need cooperation and partnership in a similar way,” she said.
WATCH THE VIDEO ONLINE NOW
The conversation also covered how we as individuals can use this time to refocus our personal climate action efforts and make sustainable changes to our lifestyles. Climate entrepreneur, Katerina Kimmorley encouraged us to use this time to ensure our banking, superannuation and investments align with our values.
Natalie Isaacs agreed that the world can emerge from Covid-19 with a new perspective and intention pointing out that the global response to the pandemic proves humanity can change and adapt very quickly in the face of adversity and that we can act with similar urgency to combat climate change.
“We actually could emerge from this with a new way forward…We’ve got this window as humanity to carve out a new path where the love of earth and living with the least impact on the planet is the way,” Ms Isaacs said.
If you missed it, you can catch up with the virtual discussion now and join the conversation on twitter using #WomenLeadingClimateAction.