Climate: Why women are the agents of change

Together with the Rockefeller Foundation, the UN Climate Change secretariat has launched a new initiative to recognize the critical role of women in fighting climate change: "Momentum for Change:
Women for Results."

The initiative will showcase activities to inform governments, media and the public at large about the crucial role of women in confronting the challenges of both adapting to climate change and curbing emissions.

"Women have the power to make a major difference. They are at the nexus between food, water and energy. This nexus is both the challenge and the solution to climate change, and we need to ensure women's leadership in bringing about the solutions," said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres.

Heather Grady, Vice President of the Rockefeller Foundation pointed out that in Africa women are responsible for 80% of food production on the continent, and therefore need to be more involved in decisions relating to food security: "While climate change affects us all, it does not affect us all equally. Women, though disproportionately affected, are crucial agents of change."

The "Women for Results" initiative is part of the wider "Momentum for Change" initiative designed to highlight inspiring mitigation and adaptation actions implemented by a wide range of stakeholders at regional, national, or local level and which can encourage governments, businesses and civil society to do more to combat climate change.

The first raft of "Momentum for Change: Women for Results "Lighthouse activities" will be showcased by the UN Climate Change Secretariat at COP 19 in Poland next year. Applications will be accepted from 8 March 2012, which is International Women's Day.