Our global movements continue to flourish as we see ongoing and growing efforts and actions for climate justice and women leading vital initiatives in our communities and international spaces.

From June 2 - 3, governments, businesses, civil society, and global stakeholders came together for the Stockholm+50 conference to commemorate 50 years since the first international UN summit on the environment, and to discuss government progress towards the 2030 Agenda.

Since the 1972 Stockholm conference, civil society has played a vital role in pushing for the implementation of international policies and frameworks uplifting social justice and environmental projections. Right now, we need governments and businesses to listen to the demands of civil society and take immediate action in alignment with the goals of climate justice frameworks.

As part of Stockholm+50, WECAN created space for interventions from global women leaders; released a set of ambitious recommendations for governments and financial institutions; advocated for the phase out of fossil fuels as part of the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty Initiative; while uplifting the Rights of Nature, Climate Justice, and Gender Equity. Learn more below!

During this event, grassroots women leaders and global advocates discussed environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and presented a diverse array of strategies and solutions to secure strong communities and a just planet for current and future generations including: Indigenous rights, Rights of Nature, Women’s Leadership, Forest Protection, and Food Sovereignty. Find links and resources shared during the event here.

Many thanks to the amazing speakers: Carmen Capriles, Founder of Reacción Climática, WECAN Coordinator for Latin America, Bolivia; Dipti Bhatnagar, International Program Coordinator for Climate Justice and Energy, FoE International, Mozambique; Jacqui Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of The Chisholm Legacy Project, USA; Neema Namadamu, SAFECO and WECAN Democratic Republic of Congo Coordinator, Democratic Republic of Congo; Mitzi Jonelle Tan, Convenor and International Spokesperson for Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), The Philippines; Casey Camp Horinek (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member, USA; and Osprey Orielle Lake, WECAN Founder and Executive Director, USA.

In the lead up to Stockholm+50, WECAN released a set of recommendations and action steps for governments and financial institutions attending the global conference to encourage ambitious action for global communities and the planet. Read the recommendations here!

As one of the most significant global gatherings of governments in 2022, the recommendations urge governments and financial institutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through immediate and transformative policies and programs that uplift gender equity and advance climate justice. The action steps outlined in the recommendations call for comprehensive climate justice efforts including phasing out fossil fuels, uplifting human and Indigenous rights, gender and racial justice, and protecting global forests and biodiversity.

At the end of the Stockholm+50 conference, the UN released it's key recommendations to stakeholders and governments, where the UN included language to phase out fossil fuels. This is the first time any UN summit has recognized the need to end the production and expansion of fossil fuels. While this is only a recommendation and statement of intent, and so much more urgent action is needed, it is significant and signals that civil society’s continued pressure is having an impact.

Throughout Stockholm+50, WECAN joined efforts advocating for The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, an initiative to phase-out fossil fuels and fast-track climate solutions inspired by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

As part of our efforts, WECAN was honored to provide a case study on the impacts fossil fuels are having on women’s health, as part of the "Fuelling Failure: How coal, oil and gas sabotage all seventeen Sustainable Development Goals" report released by the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative.

The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative also hosted several events during Stokcholm+50 with key civil society leaders from across the world in order to discuss how we can work together to manage a global just transition away from fossil fuels. Learn more and watch the event recordings here.

WECAN Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake sits on the Steering Committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we look forward to continuing to uplift this innovative climate solution.

During Stockholm+50, the Global Alliance for Rights of Nature (GARN) held an event, "The Urgency of Recognizing Rights for Nature during the Planetary Emergency," demonstrating how Rights of Nature is a transformative tool to halt transgressing the Planetary Boundaries and keep on track with the laws of Nature.

Panelists presented the growth of the Rights of Nature movement and the extent to which it has been applied and recognized in more than 37 countries at a national and local level, to ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and natural biomes. Watch the recording and learn more about Rights of Nature here.

WECAN is honored to be on the Executive Committee for GARN, and has been a key organizer for the Committee.

Celebrating Climate Justice and Joy! From June 3-4, hundreds of people from across the Gulf South – Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Puerto Rico – came together in Louisiana for the Gulf Gathering for Climate Justice and Joy.

Shruti Patil, WECAN Research and Policy Associate, based in Texas, participated in the weekend long gathering, building community, celebrating the region's culture and ecosystems, and demanding that sacred lands, waters, and communities be protected. For too long, the Gulf South has been treated as a sacrifice zone by polluters. See a livestream of the beginning of the event here.

It is clear throughout the Gulf South region that communities and the environment are deeply impacted by fossil fuels and extractive projects that lead to health risks, pollution, degradation of ecosystems, the climate crisis and much more. Stand with those in the Gulf South building a path towards a just, sustainable future for current and future generations!

On May 25, coinciding with BlackRock’s shareholder meeting, WECAN, allies, and nearly 100 activists on the frontlines of the climate crisis, including faith leaders and youth, protested outside BlackRock’s Manhattan headquarters demanding that BlackRock exclude companies expanding fossil fuel production from its active and passive funds. Find a livestream of the event here!

Twelve activists were arrested while blocking the entrances to BlackRock offices. Ashley Guardado, WECAN Program Associate was on-the-ground and spoke at the action. Please see the video below for a recording of her powerful speech!

As one of the world’s largest investors in fossil fuels, BlackRock must listen to our global communities and end their investment in planetary destruction and start implementing policies that keep fossil fuels in the ground and instead invest in renewable energy; uplift Indigenous and human rights; and protect the world’s forests and ecosystems for current and future generations.

WECAN is honored to be participating in this years Scenario Forum, where a diverse set of academics, researchers, and activists are coming together to discuss the ongoing process of developing, updating and using the “scenarios framework” for fostering integrated climate change and sustainability research.

By taking stock of recent progress, reflecting on the use of scenarios in environmental assessments and policy-making, and facilitating further scenario-related research, the Scenarios Forum will inform the use of scenarios in the preparation for the next cycle of IPCC Assessment Reports (AR7) and help ensure a research base sufficient to inform future national and international assessments as well as policy initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

WECAN has been engaging with researchers from the UC Davis ModLab to share a presentation, delivered by Osprey Orielle Lake, WECAN Executive Director, on how gender equity can be a driver of change and can significantly decrease CO2 emissions. Look for further information in our next newsletter!

In June, WECAN joined colleagues to submit an organizational comment to the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Guidance on how large financial institutions can manage climate-related risks.

The FDIC — a major banking regulator — recently issued draft principles for large financial institutions on managing risk related to climate change, which included guidelines for financial institutions to:

Financial regulators like the FDIC have the authority to manage climate risk and protect our economy now and into the future. While the FDIC’s guidance lays important groundwork for large financial institutions to manage risks related to climate change, our comment calls attention to the fact that this statement does not directly acknowledge that: (1) nearly all of the financial institutions regulated by the FDIC are community banks and savings associations — financial institutions disproportionately threatened by climate change; and (2) large US financial institutions not only face significant climate-related risks, but also fuel the risks through their financing of greenhouse gas emitting activities.

People vs. Fossil Fuels, along with more than 215 original sponsors including WECAN, launched a petition, directed to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, for individuals to call on Attorney General Garland to end the DOJ's opposition to the landmark youth-led constitutional climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States proceeding to trial.

For almost seven years, the 21 youth plaintiffs of the Juliana v. United States climate lawsuit have waited for their day in court. Yet, tactics employed by the DOJ to impede or dismiss their case has delayed action. Despite President Biden’s promises to listen to youth and address the climate crisis, his DOJ is still actively opposing the Juliana case, denying their rights and seeking to prevent the young plaintiffs from presenting evidence to a judge in open court of how their own government is causing them harm.

Support them by signing this petition urging the Department of Justice to end their opposition, and let these young people be heard! Sign the petition here.

In solidarity with frontline leaders, we are asking you to send a letter to President Biden to demand that he cancel the remaining federal permits for the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that it is withdrawing two key federal permits for the dangerous 300-mile MVP because agencies did not do a proper review of the project. This means the pipeline will need to reapply for these permits from the Biden administration. President Biden has the power to reject these permits for the pipeline and address the climate crisis. But only a powerful grassroots movement can get him to do the right thing.

Leaders across the region are taking action to prevent the MVP’s destruction and emissions. If approved the MVP could be responsible for the disastrous greenhouse gas equivalent of 23 new coal-fired plants’ emissions per year. Our communities, waters, mountains and futures will not be sacrificed for this unnecessary climate and ecological disaster.