Summit highlights the essential role women leaders play in climate action around the world

May 17, 2018 – Gatineau, Québec

In Canada and around the world, women and girls are powerful agents of change, working to improve the lives of their families, their communities and their countries. Globally, women are also at the forefront of climate action, from negotiating an ambitious Paris Climate Agreement and championing solutions to starting clean tech companies and leading sustainable initiatives in business.

In a social media campaign asking Canadians what themes mattered the most to them, we heard the two most important priorities for Canada’s G7 Presidency are working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy and advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The participants of the Climate Leaders’ Summit are among the climate leaders committed to shaping ambitious climate policies and making sure that all – especially women and girls – are part of the conversation.

Today, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, hosted the Climate Leaders’ Summit: Women Kicking It on Climate to advance climate action and women’s leadership. Participants from G7 countries and the international community, from public, private, academic, indigenous communities and civil society sectors worked together to drive forward solutions that will secure further action on the Paris Agreement, accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, and empower women around the world.

Takeaways from this summit – including highlights of the panel discussions and proposed actions – will be reflected in a Chair’s Summary to inform discussions of G7 Ministers at the Environment Ministers’ Meeting this fall and to advance climate action internationally.