By many social, economic, and political measures, women around the world are disproportionately impacted by the climate emergency. They are also at the forefront of the movement to engage in urgent climate action and lead the world into a new era of sustainability. It is imperative we all think critically about how to center the women in our circles in all capacities, but especially in regards to climate leadership. Highlighted below are just a few youth women activists paving the way for a new generation of climate and community defenders.

Kristy Drutman

“My identity as a woman impacts my work in the environmental space because I have to do a lot of extra work for people to trust and listen to what I have to say. It’s pushed me to learn how to nurture deeper relationships with other women who go through similar levels of being underestimated and undermined. In that exploration, I’ve continued to learn how powerful women’s support, collective wisdom, and nurturing energy is critical in healing the planet.”

Aishah Nyeta

“My identity as a Woman impacts my work with the climate space by reinforcing the cyclical nature of death and rebirth, harm and help. More specifically within my identity as an Autistic Black Woman, I understand the oppressive nature that our physical environment is under. This oppression is systemic and money-hungry and won’t be stopped unless we collectively become the ‘girl with the loudening voice’ against all harm to our planet.”

Alaina Wood

“My identity as a woman absolutely impacts my work in the climate movement. There is not enough female representation in the movement, especially in scientific circles, despite women being more impacted overall by climate change than men.”

Izzy Laderman

“My identity as a woman can’t be separated from my identity as a disabled person or any other of my identities. I know that each discrimination I’ve faced, both in the climate movement, and the world, was as a disabled woman and not a disabled person. Intersectionality is key.”

Morgan Block

“Feminine characteristics are strengths for change. We are patient but persistent. We value collaboration and human connection. I often remind myself that women are disproportionately facing the effects of global warming around the world, but we are also disproportionately delivering climate solutions! I love collaborating with other women in the climate movement because there is this unspoken understanding and support that I feel in every interaction. We know the urgency of the problem, but we also understand that we have agency, and all we need to do is act.”

Lauren Ferree Bash

“In my experience, women are quick to share, living out of an abundance mentality, that there is plenty for everyone, when we share. It makes me think of my own mama, my climate icon and role model, how she taught us the symbiotic relationship with nature, and how we must reciprocate. And as an aspiring mother myself, I think of my future children and grandchildren, and therefore all present children on Earth, and the environments we are creating for them, our responsibility to protect them and lead them by example.”

Sabrina Wisbiski

“Being a woman has impacted my work positively in the climate movement. Social media has given me the space educate and inspire young woman to take climate action, which is important as women and children are disproportionately affected by climate change and its consequences. I have been inspired by so many woman in the climate movement, and I am grateful to have a like minded community of woman climate educators and activists who are workings towards the same goals.”

Photos courtesy of all featured subjects.

Answers may have been edited for length.

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