During the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, WECAN hosted an event where women leaders called on governments to halt fossil fuel extraction. They urged investment in a Just Transition,

During the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, WECAN hosted an event where women leaders called on governments to halt fossil fuel extraction. They urged investment in a Just Transition, grounded in climate justice, care economies, and Indigenous rights, rather than business as usual.

The event featured two panels. The first, "Women Ending the Era of Fossil Fuels," discussed transitioning away from extraction and policy advocacy. The second, "Women-led Climate Solutions Are Central to a Just Transition and Thriving Future," showcased successful community-led climate solutions.

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted its Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This event gathered over 125 grassroots and

The Women's Earth and Climate Network (WECAN) hosted its Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Path to COP30 and Beyond from June 23-28, 2025. This event gathered over 125 grassroots and frontline women leaders, advocates, and policymakers from 50 countries to share diverse visions and strategies for a just and healthy world across 25 panels.

A significant panel, "Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America," took place on June 25th. Featured speakers included Sharon Lavigne (RISE St. James), Tara Houska (Giniw Collective), Nalleli Cobo (People not Pozos, South Central Youth Leadership Coalition), and Dr. Laalitha Surapaneni, a physician.

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an Amazon Editors' Pick. This powerful investigation reveals plastic's devastating impact on human health and the environment, from poisoned oceans and polluted air to microplastic contamination and environmental racism.

The book critically examines plastic's paradox, challenging the belief that recycling alone can solve the crisis. Instead, it debunks industry claims and emphasizes the urgent need for action, offering practical solutions like a "household waste audit" to empower readers. Learn more at: beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-book (ISBN: 9781620979457).

This document presents the 2017 Brower Youth Awards Speech, a significant address delivered by Mercedes Thompson and Claire Wayner. The Brower Youth Awards annually recognize outstanding young

This document presents the 2017 Brower Youth Awards Speech, a significant address delivered by Mercedes Thompson and Claire Wayner. The Brower Youth Awards annually recognize outstanding young environmental leaders, celebrating their innovative projects and dedication to a sustainable future.

Thompson and Wayner's speech likely articulated their vision, shared insights from their environmental work, and inspired attendees with their commitment to addressing pressing ecological challenges. Their participation underscores the vital role youth play in driving environmental change.

Mercedes Thompson and Claire Wayner were honored at the 2017 Brower Youth Awards for their dedicated environmental work in Baltimore. Beginning as young students, they focused on the critical

Mercedes Thompson and Claire Wayner were honored at the 2017 Brower Youth Awards for their dedicated environmental work in Baltimore. Beginning as young students, they focused on the critical issue of trash, advocating for the understanding that there is "no 'away'" for waste.

Their impactful efforts specifically targeted Styrofoam, a toxic pollutant. Through their initiatives, they successfully influenced their schools, the city, and the state, raising awareness and promoting solutions.

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie, an award-winning writer and mythologist, explored the transformative power of myths and inner inquiry. She demonstrated how ancient stories can address modern

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie, an award-winning writer and mythologist, explored the transformative power of myths and inner inquiry. She demonstrated how ancient stories can address modern challenges and shift the collective mindset, emphasizing solitude and nature for deepening kinship. Her work reimagines women's stories and connects folk traditions to contemporary issues. Learn more at sharonblackie.net.

Karen Doyle Grossman, Executive Director of the Garrison Institute, has a distinguished career. She advanced social innovations at Mercy Corps and, at the Aspen Institute, founded MicroMentor, the world's largest community for entrepreneurs and mentors. Explore MicroMentor at micromentor.org.

Sharon Lavigne, founder of the faith-based environmental justice group Rise St. James, was the 2021 North American winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize. She received the award for her work

Sharon Lavigne, founder of the faith-based environmental justice group Rise St. James, was the 2021 North American winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize. She received the award for her work fighting chemical plants in St. James Parish, Louisiana.

Support Sharon's efforts: Rise St. James

Sharon L. Deem, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACZM, has directed the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine (ICM) since its founding in 2011. She champions a One Health approach, holistically

Sharon L. Deem, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACZM, has directed the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine (ICM) since its founding in 2011. She champions a One Health approach, holistically integrating wildlife conservation, public health, and sustainable ecosystems to ensure healthy animals, people, and planet.

Her talk explores how the pandemic presents opportunities to address critical global challenges: emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Deem emphasizes the urgent need for global resilience, advocating for the One Health framework to tackle these triple threats.

This talk was given at a TEDx event, independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie explored stories, myths, and archetypes, illustrating the transformative power of inner inquiry to shift the collective mindset. The interactive session

On October 18, Dr. Sharon Blackie explored stories, myths, and archetypes, illustrating the transformative power of inner inquiry to shift the collective mindset. The interactive session emphasized how solitude and nature deepen our sense of kinship, concluding with a challenge to consider foundational shifts for metamorphosis.

Dr. Blackie is an award-winning writer, psychologist, and mythologist, focusing on reimagining women's stories and the relevance of myths today. Learn more about her work: sharonblackie.net. Karen Doyle Grossman, Executive Director for the Garrison Institute, previously founded MicroMentor, the world's largest community of entrepreneurs and mentors: micromentor.org.

In 2016, Claire Wayner and Mercedes Thompson co-founded Baltimore Beyond Plastic (BBP), a youth-led organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in Baltimore. Inspired by the public health

In 2016, Claire Wayner and Mercedes Thompson co-founded Baltimore Beyond Plastic (BBP), a youth-led organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in Baltimore. Inspired by the public health impacts of plastic waste, including toxic incinerator emissions and carcinogens leaching from school lunch styrofoam, they sought to address local environmental inequities.

BBP actively combats pollution through school visits, educational workshops, rallies, and legislative advocacy. Having successfully campaigned for a statewide styrofoam ban last year, Wayner and Thompson are now pushing for bans on both styrofoam and plastic bags in Baltimore. They are sharing an award this year for their impactful work.