The Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) at the People’s Climate March in New York City and How You Can Participate...
This September, top international politicians, business figures and activists will gather in New York City for the UN Climate Leadership Summit, a foundational meeting called by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in preparation for the 2014 and 2015 UN Climate Negotiations. In the days preceding this crucial assembly, civil society organisations worldwide - including WECAN International - will be leading a variety of events and actions, demanding that global leaders end years of stagnation and come to the table with innovative proposals and the collective political will to make clear, concrete commitments to climate action. We invite you to join us wherever you are!
WECAN will commence related action on September 9th with the release of our 'WECAN Women's Climate Action Agenda,' drafted by more than 100 women leaders (including Founder of 1 Million Women, Natalie Isaacs) during the Women's Earth and Climate Summit held last September in New York. The Action Agenda analyzes the root causes of the environmental destruction and social injustice which today threaten people and planet in an unprecedented way, ultimately presenting powerful recommendations and alternative solutions to the climate crisis. It also contextualizes why transformative change is necessary, articulates what must be done, and provides clear means for doing so, leaving no room for inaction as world leaders enter into Climate Negotiations this year.
On September 21 , a delegation representing WECAN will take to the streets of New York City, joining thousands of allies in raising our voices at the 'People's Climate March'. Soon to be the largest climate action of its kind on record, the People's Climate March seeks to "bend the course of history," drawing global attention and exerting direct pressure on attendees of the UN Climate Summit. We encourage everyone who is able to march with us on this momentous day as we mobilize for climate justice.
We ask participants to create a wall (stand in a line) and hold a sign about local climate issues/solutions and/or messages to world leaders about the need for immediate climate action. Global allies are encouraged to hold their own demonstrations over a two day period, September 21 and 22 and to submit photos and statements via the WECAN web portal , or email directly to emilyarasim@parker-pr.com, and by using the social media tags #WECAN_INTL #ClimateWomen #WallofWomen.
WECAN International will also host the 'Women Leading Solutions on the Front Lines of Climate Change event on Sept. 22. An extraordinary afternoon of women leaders joined in solidarity to speak out against environmentally and socially destructive activities and policies, and to present the diverse array of visions and strategies with which they are working to shape a healthy and equitable world. The WECAN Women’s Climate Action Agenda will also be shared and discussed as a tool for systematic change. 1-3 pm. (The event will be held at the Chapel at the Church Center of the United Nations, 777 1st Avenue, E 44th St., New York City. The event is free and open to the public but due to high security registration is required. Please see our website for registration and more details.)
We are thrilled and honored that the following leaders will be featured at the event Jody Williams (Nobel Laureate), Crystal Lameman (Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Treaty 6, Canada; Sierra Club Canada), Patricia Gualinga (Kichwa leader; Sarayaku, Ecuador), Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation, Actress, Indigenous Environmental Network), Angelina Galiteva (100% Renewables Policy Institute), Osprey Orielle Lake (Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network), Sally Ranney (Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network) and more.
To culminate New York Climate Week 2014, the signatures from the WECAN Women's Climate Declaration, along with thousands of other signatures collected by our partners at the Global Call for Climate Action, will be presented at the UN Climate Summit. Please unite with us in sending a powerful message to world leaders by adding your signature and message here .
Women united together are an unstoppable force for change and we are mobilizing our voices worldwide for the UN Climate Summit this September!
Osprey Orielle Lake is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network and author of the award-winning book “Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature.
This month more than 100 leaders and government officials are headed to New York for the UN climate summit, September 23rd. 1 Million Women will be keeping you up-to-date with all of the news and developments as they happen.
We are gathering 1 Million Women signatures to add to the WECAN declaration. Your name will be one of thousands helping to galvanise world leaders to take action on climate change. Let your voice be heard, click here.