OUR LOCAL CHAPTERS

Real change happens at the local level, with climate leaders speaking up about the issues most relevant to their communities and pushing their governments for ambitious climate plans. At Women Leading on Climate, our global program is accompanied by country chapters that are dealing with their national challenges for climate policy head on.

Canadian Chapter

Canadian women climate leaders came together in Toronto on February 11, 2025 to launch the Canadian chapter of Women Leading on Climate.

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.

  • "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)

  • "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, 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

  • "Women are already leading the charge, building the climate tech solutions our economy and our world can’t live without. The results? Innovation, jobs, growth—proof, not promises. The question isn’t if they can deliver. It’s whether capital allocators are bold enough to bet big and not get left behind."

    Sarah Goodman
    President & CEO, B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)

  • "When you have diversity of perspective around the table, you are able to get to more balanced, durable paths to move society forward. We need this more than ever with the challenges and opportunities ahead of us."

    Colleen Giroux-Schmidt
    Vice President, Corporate Relations and Environment, Innergex

Brazilian Chapter

The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) and the We Mean Business Coalition WMBC) announced the Brazil Chapter of Women Leading on Climate in September 2024, with leadership from Marina Grossi, President of CEBDS, Maria Mendiluce, CEO of WMBC, and Ana Toni, National Secretary for Climate Change at the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. 

As Brazil gears up to host COP 30 this year, this Chapter will play an important role in pushing climate ambition from their government and on key agenda items for the Conference. 

Marina Grossi, Catherine McKenna and Maria Mendiluce co-authored an op-ed announcing its launch, published in the Brazilian news outlet Estadão.

Australian Chapter

Given the scale of climate action required along with the possibility of COP 31 being jointly hosted by Australia and the Pacific, Sharan Burrow AC (Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation) and Victoria McKenzie-McHarg (CEO of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia), launched the Australian Chapter of WLOC. The Australian network intends to amplify and build on women’s commitment to climate nature and just energy and industrial transitions in communities, influence government policy and seeks to establish priorities in the lead up to the COP negotiations beginning with an ambitious Australian NDC. 

The network aims to:

  • Establish and deepen relationships among influential women leaders who are working to advance action on climate, nature and Just Transitions

  • Develop greater understanding of the importance of women’s leadership for our climate and environment 

  • Create space for shared ideas, collaboration and advocacy to emerge

  • Create opportunities to amplify the voices of diverse women leaders for positive climate outcomes in the lead up to COP31 

 

The Australian Chapter is holding a series of private dinners in major capital cities, bringing together women leaders and inviting their input into shaping the network and future opportunities to work together. An online launch event will be held in mid-2025.