NEWS RELEASECanadian women launch new chapter of Women Leading on Climate to push for more climate action
February 11, 2025 - Toronto, Canada
Canadian women are answering the call to keep ambitious climate action on the agenda with the launch of the Canadian chapter of Women Leading on Climate at GLOBExCHANGE.
The Canadian chapter is part of the global Women Leading on Climate network of leaders from business, finance, policy, and civil society across the globe who are leading the charge for climate action in countries around the world by elevating the collective voices of women leading the fight for a sustainable and just future.
“Women are pushing for more ambitious climate action in negotiating rooms, in boardrooms, in our communities and in the streets,” said Catherine McKenna, founder of Women Leading on Climate and CEO of Climate and Nature Solutions. “In this critical time for climate action, we need to raise our voices even more. We’ve seen the power of women. When we come together: We go further, faster.”
Women are at the forefront of pushing for more ambitious climate action:
Women are 2.5 times more likely to demand that their government take action on climate change.
Women are twice as likely to engage civically on the issue of climate.
Companies with women in leadership positions have better climate performance.
The Canadian chapter of Women Leading on Climate (WLOC) is bringing together women leaders from across Canada to push for ambitious climate action from governments and business in order to attract investment and ensure Canada’s competitiveness, create good jobs across all sectors, and build a cleaner and healthier future for all.
What women climate leaders are saying about the launch of the Canadian chapter of WLOC:
“We are at an inflection point and collectively women are a leading voice in driving the systemic change needed to build the climate resilient companies and economies of the 21st century. As the risks of climate inaction grow ever larger, it's time for tangible, meaningful action across sectors and communities. “
Barbara Zvan, President & CEO, University Pension Plan (UPP).
“Confronting climate change is an act of love for the people and places we care about. Women and feminist leaders have a special ability, as community leaders and relationship builders, to bring together the coalitions of fierce love and resistance we need to tackle this crisis.”
Catherine Abreu, Director of the International Climate Politics Hub.
“We need to work together to address this unprecedented challenge and set up our communities, industries and workers for economic success in a decarbonized future. I'm so inspired by the hard-working and effective women working across Canada to drive the clean economy. Women are coming together and getting things built.”
Merran Smith, President of New Economy Canada.
“Our connection to the land, water, and all living things is at the heart of who we are as First Nations people. Womxn are leading by bringing our knowledge, traditions, and collective strength to the forefront of climate action.”
Kluane Adamek, Yukon Regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations.
About the WLOC network
Women Leading on Climate (WLOC) is an initiative of Climate and Nature Solutions. It was informally established by Catherine McKenna in 2018 when, as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, she hosted the Women Kicking It on Climate Summit to advance ambitious climate action through women’s leadership ahead of the G7 environment meeting in Canada. WLOC was officially launched at COP 26 in Scotland. In 2024, Climate and Nature Solutions partnered with the We Mean Business Coalition to expand the impact of WLOC through strategic dialogues, country networks, high-impact events during NYC Climate Week, Climate negotiations (COPs), and other key international gatherings, and by engaging in global social media campaigns.
How to get involved
Check out womenleadingonclimate.org to find out more about the events and initiatives in 2025 and to sign up.
For more information, please contact:
Serena Rourke
Climate Associate, Climate and Nature Solutions
613-979-3956