The issue of climate change is a matter for us all. No matter our background, race, age, ability, sex or sexual orientation or any other dividing line in our society. On International Women’s Day it is good to look back at what women and girls have achieved and are still doing alongside their many supportive colleagues. Rachel Carson, who wrote the seminal work Silent Spring over 60 years ago was the first to give voice to the concern that humanity had the power to damage our world and especially the natural world. What was exceptional is that speaking as a scientist she wrote in a way that came through loud and clear to society and started many individual journeys to champion this cause.
Margaret Thatcher, another scientist by training, talked about the issues on the international stage at the UN in 1989. “The problem of global climate change is one that affects us all and action will only be effective if it is taken at the international level. It is no good squabbling over who is responsible or who should pay,” she said.
Today the image of Greta Thunberg is synonymous with activism and climate change enthusing a younger generation and incensing other sections of society with equal passion.
These are exceptional women and I can only point to work that women and men are doing today to respond to the existential crisis (as Greta would argue) that climate change and natural degradation and biodiversity loss is causing our planet and people.
The City of London is involved in many strands of work and influence.
Last week I opened an event for the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) at Guildhall. TPT is the force behind creating credible transition plans for businesses to move from talking about pledges to making and fulfilling action plans that are transparent and accountable. I said “Tonight, is a key moment for the business market to really get going on transition plans, using the TPT’s work to help you on your way. I hope that is why you are all here and ready to take the actions needed and, indeed, those that will be demanded and required.” I spoke alongside the Co-Chairs of TPT, Amanda Blanc the CEO of Aviva and Baroness Penn the House of Lords’ Treasury Minister. They were compelling in their calls to action and indicating the Government’s engagement.
At the Bridge House Estates/City Bridge Trust grants committee on Monday I was proud to support a grant to the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) of £500,000. WEN is a charity addressing environmental concerns that intersect with gender, racial and social justice issues. It tackles environmental concerns that are closest to women’s health and everyday lives, such as waste, food, climate change and connects these to national and global movements for change. Women, and particularly women of colour, continue to be under-represented in influencing and decision-making arenas on tackling climate change and local and national environmental issues. This grant will give that group a voice.
Finally it is worth highlighting again the excellent work that the City of London School for Girls has done in creating a long term interest in climate issues that has led them to calculate the school’s carbon footprint and influence the school’s behaviour and plans. See the news item from January.
What ever our ability or capacity we can take steps on a personal, family, community, national or international stage. We know the impact of climate change is unequal and those nations, communities and cities who are most at risk are those least able to build resilience. Let’s adopt the International Women’s Day theme for 2023 #EmbraceEquity as we redouble our work to counter climate change.