Across the world, women are already central to climate solutions. They manage land, water, and food systems and lead local efforts to protect communities from environmental shocks. When women have equal opportunities to participate in the economy and public life, the impact reaches far beyond individuals.

In Africa alone, advancing gender equality and women’s leadership could generate $1 trillion in additional economic growth by 2043, more than the current external debt of all African countries combined.

Cecilia has seen the importance of local women's leadership through her work with Indigenous communities in Latin America and at home in rural Spain.

“Climate solutions work best when we listen to local people who know their land, whether they’re on another continent or right at home.”

As the EU prepares its next long-term budget, these decisions will shape how climate funding supports communities in Europe, across Africa, and around the world. That includes whether the EU sets clear targets for climate action and gender equality, and whether the green transition strengthens the women and rural leaders already driving solutions on the ground.

Thanks for being part of the conversation,

Ciara Kristensen, ONE