Climate Justice Activism Inspires Second Annual Women’s Global Leadership Conference By Lea Agnew Above, left to right: Pat Mitchell, media executive and author and Wanjira Mathai, the World Resource Institute’s vice president and regional director for Africa, open the event with “Building Strong Collaborations” and discuss the power of community action in addressing the climate crisis. Inset: Panelists Jasmine Crowe,Whitney Brown ‘07, Blair Beasley and Michelle Moore discuss climate solutions for Georgia in a session sponsored by Drawdown Georgia.
The world’s climate crisis is hardest on populations burdened by economic, health and social disadvantages—a fact underscored at Agnes Scott College’s second annual Women’s Global Leadership Conference, held September 23-25 in person and virtually. “Building a Better World: Women and Climate Justice”drew experts, institutional leaders, business organizations and grassroots activists who are spearheading efforts to reverse climate trends and their social consequences. For the Agnes Scott community, the WGLC spotlighted forward-looking strategies and methods while opening new avenues for engagement, from the classroom to the community.
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WOMEN IN THE LEAD Women’s prominence in climate justice efforts was evident from the speaker roster. Highlighting this fact, Agnes Scott President Leocadia I. Zak says that the all-women lineup was not intentional and reflected who is leading the movement across geographies, cultures and work fields. Keynote speakers were Wanjira Mathai, the World Resource Institute’s vice president and regional director for Africa; Pat Mitchell, media executive and author; Cecilia Martinez, senior director for environmental justice of the White House Council on Environmental
Quality; and tribal attorney, indigenous rights advocate and pipeline warrior Tara Houska. Panels focused on impactful climate initiatives. One featured Drawdown Georgia, a greenhouse gas reduction road map for energy efficiency, reduced food waste and expansion of renewable energy sources. A second panel highlighted private-sector actions to advance sustainable, socially equitable business practices. And another panel addressed environmental health impacts on specific communities. DISPROPORTIONATE BURDENS Data and anecdotal evidence show the harshest effects falling on those at society’s margins. Populations without economic, political and social agency routinely bear the brunt of climate-driven natural disasters, health impairments, food shortages, urban displacement, arable land shrinkage and loss of indigenous environments— effects often overlooked in scientific and policy analysis. The WGLC also revealed that visionary disrupters are bringing compelling concepts and tactics to the battle for a livable planet. While attacking root causes of climate change, these difference-makers push back against social inequities. Among these grassroots participants was Jasmine Crowe, founder of the profit-for-good company Goodr, which helps the food industry eliminate waste
