Dear Community,

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, approaches next week, the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) and our delegation are mobilizing for critical engagements in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

Please note at the bottom of this newsletter there are job opportunities to join our passionate team and contribute to the fight for climate justice. Thank you for your support, and please continue on in this newsletter for WECAN advocacy, events and information about the delegates. We look forward to sharing more about our work at COP29 these next few weeks!

Building upon years of engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate negotiations process, the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network will be traveling to the upcoming UN COP29 climate negotiations from November 11 - 22. We are honored to be advocating with an outstanding Frontline and Indigenous Women's Delegation to demand world governments take bold and transformative action for climate justice. 

COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan and is being called the “Finance COP” as governments prepare to negotiate and update key climate finance agreements including the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance.

As the world gathers, governments have a critical opportunity to reshape the climate finance landscape to prioritize justice and equity. At COP29, low-income countries are demanding a baseline of $1 trillion in annual support, a quantum roughly ten times larger than the existing $100 billion commitment, which was neither needs-based nor calculated primarily by scientific evidence. Civil society is calling for the Global North to pay up on climate finance— and their debt as historical emitters— and to commit to financing of $5 Trillion USD. Specifically, the call is for financing to be channeled through democratic, transparent and accountable mechanisms and cover adaptation, loss and damage, mitigation, and an equitable Just Transition. 

This year, scientists issued a red alert for the health of the planet, noting that six of the nine key planetary boundaries that stabilize life on Earth have been transgressed. Breaching the planetary boundaries means that the Earth is operating in a high-risk zone, impacting communities and ecological systems globally, providing further evidence on why we need adequate and quality climate finance.

Importantly, scientists note that there is still time to take action. WECAN will be at COP29 because we must engage governments in demanding bold and transformative climate action if we want to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Along with global advocates, WECAN will be in Baku to push for just climate policies and ensure governments, corporations, and financial institutions are accountable for their responsibilities in perpetuating the climate crisis, while uplifting community-led sustainable solutions for systemic change.

WECAN will present policy interventions, on-the-ground climate justice projects, reports, systemic change frameworks and strategies within a climate justice and feminist analysis to draw attention to the root causes of multiple interlocking crises, as we call for just solutions to shape a healthy and equitable world. We will be engaging in the following negotiations and topics while at COP29:

• Robust and transformative climate finance commitments for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
• Government commitments to loss and damage
• An equitable fair, fast, and funded fossil fuel phaseout
• Gender-responsive and gender just climate policies
• Indigenous rights and sovereignty as a climate solution
• Just Transition and feminist and beyond growth economic models
• Rights of Nature
• Forest and biodiversity protection, and defending land defenders
• Denouncing carbon offsets and false solutions
• Holding corporations and financial institutions accountable
• International multilateral cooperation

Additionally, COP29 comes ahead of country submissions of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which embody commitments by governments to ensure that global warming stays below the 1.5°C threshold, and meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. 

NDCs are submitted every five years to the UNFCCC Secretariat, with the next round of NDCs due in early 2025. The upcoming NDCs represent a critical juncture, as the targets and objectives set will influence climate action and policy until 2035, marking the last opportunity to implement transformative actions needed to avoid exceeding the 1.5°C limit and climate catastrophe. Strong advocacy and agreements at COP29 can influence the ambition of governments in finalizing their NDCs. In September, WECAN released a set of climate justice recommendations for the NDCs, and will be bringing these recommendations to COP29 for interventions with government parties and representatives. Please see the recommendations here. 

Year after year, corporate interests and fossil fuel lobbyists continue to overwhelm the negotiations. A 2023 analysis by the Kick Big Polluters Out Coalition found that over 2,400 fossil fuel lobbyists attended COP28, nearly four times as many as COP27, which set an historic record. 

Furthermore, the hosts of COP28, COP29, and COP30 have created a Troika partnership between the host countries, UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, respectively, that will be leading the world through some of the most vital climate negotiations. However, new research finds that the COP Troika countries plan to expand oil and gas production by 32% by 2035. This expansion does not reflect the outcomes of COP28 where countries agreed to a transition away from fossil fuels.

Fossil fuel interests are also harming good-faith negotiations and multilateral engagement between countries. Recently, Papua New Guinea announced it will withdraw from this year’s climate summit after calling out the inaction of the world’s bigger polluters. Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko said, “We will no longer tolerate empty promises and inaction, while our people suffer the devastating consequences of climate change.” 

Ending the era of fossil fuels is non-negotiable. To meet climate goals, countries must rapidly and immediately implement a fossil fuel phaseout and invest in just climate solutions and quality climate finance. 

While it is vital to engage within the formal UN climate negotiations process in order to intervene and advocate for policies that support people and planet above profit and false solutions— at WECAN, our deepest hope lies with the global climate justice movements organizing in magnificent diversity and strength across the world every single day of the year. We continue to organize with intention, care, and deep belief in a just and healthy future that uplifts our communities and ecological integrity. We will continue to fight for global climate justice! 

Please continue on in this newsletter to meet our COP29 delegates and learn about upcoming WECAN actions and events— in person and online— in Baku for COP29!

Please see below for a list of events that WECAN is organizing, co-hosting, or speaking at during COP29. 

To attend events in person you will need UN accreditation. Alternatively, you can join us online for livestreams and recordings of selected COP29 events for our worldwide network! All events are listed in local Baku time zone, so please check your time zones to join us.

Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with our COP29 events and delegation, or please check our website for updates regularly!

​Media requests for the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network during the UNFCCC COP29 Baku can be directed to: katherine@wecaninternational.org

Press Conference: Indigenous Women from the Amazon: Calls for Urgent Action on the Path to COP30

WHEN: Thursday, November 14, 15:00 - 15:30 AZT

WHERE: Press Conference 2, Area C, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Indigenous women are mobilizing to protect Indigenous rights and biodiversity in the Amazon. Speakers from the Amazon and connected biomes will bring forth calls to action and advocacy efforts to protect Indigenous rights, forests, water, communities, and the global climate on the path to COP30.

Speakers to date:

• Deputy Célia Xakriabá (Xakriabá), Federal Deputy in Brazilian Congress, and co-founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Puyr Tembé (Tembé), First Secretary of State for Indigenous Peoples of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon, and co-founder of Ancestral Indigenous Women Warriors (ANMIGA), Brazil
• Olivia Bisa Tirko (Chapra Nation), President of the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Chapra Nation, Peru (to be confirmed)
• With moderation and comments by Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

Global Day of Action for Climate Justice

WHEN: Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16

WHERE: Baku COP29 and everywhere!

COP29 is dubbed the 'Finance COP' as governments are expected to agree on new climate finance targets. On November 15 and 16, civil society is mobilizing in Baku and in various cities, towns, and communities across the world to increase pressure on governments, institutions, and corporations to compel them to deliver urgent climate action!

At COP29 in Baku, civil society will be organizing mobilizations and a march inside the COP venue. Save the date and head to our social media this week for more details.

Press Conference: Rights of Nature: A Systemic Solution to the Climate Crisis

WHEN: Saturday, November 16, 17:00 - 17:30 AZT

WHERE: Press Conference 2, Area C, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Rights of Nature articulates a new legal framework and economy based on living in balance with Earth’s natural systems. Presenters will share successes from the Rights of Nature movement, and how it can offer a systemic framework for defending and protecting biodiversity, communities, and our climate.

Speakers to date:

• Casey Camp-Horinek, (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member and Project Coordinator, Turtle Island/USA
• Nnimmo Bassey, Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Nigeria (to be confirmed)
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

Press Conference: Women Leading Fossil Fuel Phaseout and A Just Transition

WHEN: Monday, November 18, 17:30 - 18:00 AZT

WHERE: Press Conference 2, Area C, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Women leaders will share critical strategies to advance a fossil fuel phaseout and a Just Transition that supports communities and ecosystems. They will also highlight the role of climate finance in supporting equitable solutions and ensuring accountability in the Just Transition.

Speakers to date:

• Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation), Executive Director of Indigenous Climate Action, Canada
• Dr. Amiera Sawas, Head of Research and Policy at the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty
• Mela Chiponda, Director of the Shine Collab, Zimbabwe (to be confirmed)
• Anne Simpson (Inuit), Climate Change Policy Advisor for the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Canada (to be confirmed)
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

UN Formal Side Event: Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

WHEN: Tuesday, November 19, 13:15-14:45 AZT

WHERE: Side Event Room 2, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Indigenous, Black and frontline women, and global advocates will present climate justice strategies and solutions, including forest protection and restoration, Indigenous rights, agroecology, fossil fuel phase-out and divestment, and protection of women land defenders.

Speakers to date:

• Zukiswa White, Coordinator, Women and Gender Constituency, South Africa
• Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation), Executive Director of Indigenous Climate Action, Canada
• Casey Camp-Horinek, (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member and Project Coordinator, Turtle Island/USA
• Taily Terena (Terena Nation), Indigenous rights activist and organizer, WECAN Coordinator, Brazil (to be confirmed)
• Mela Chiponda, Director of the Shine Collab, Zimbabwe (to be confirmed)
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

Pavilion Event: Indigenous Leadership in Advocating for the Rights of Nature

WHEN: Tuesday, November 19, 18:00 - 19:00 AZT

WHERE: Indigenous Peoples’ Pavilion, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Hosted by the Indigenous Council for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN)

During this event, members of the Indigenous Council for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) will explore the deep connection between the Rights of Nature and Indigenous sovereignty. Grounded in the Indigenous cosmovision, which sees Nature as a living entity with inherent rights, this event will highlight the importance of centering Indigenous knowledge and leadership in global environmental governance, and how Rights of Nature can support ongoing efforts for Indigenous sovereignty and climate action. Panelists will discuss the critical role of Indigenous peoples in shaping international policy dialogues at COP29 and COP30, and how we can build pathways towards real change that honors both our natural world and the rights of those who have safeguarded it for generations.

​The event will be led by Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation), Environmental Ambassador for the Ponca Nation, and Board Member and Project Coordinator for the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) and Chair of the Indigenous Council for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN)n with additional Indigenous Rights of Nature speakers.

Press Conference: Women Leading a Just Transition

WHEN: Wednesday, November 20, 17:00 - 17:30 AZT

WHERE: Press Conference 2, Area C, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Women leaders in all their diversity will share vital reports and critical strategies to accelerate a Just Transition and global climate justice while supporting communities and ecosystems impacted by extractive industries and human and Indigenous rights violations.

Speakers:

• Colette Pichon Battle, Vision and Initiatives Partner at Taproot Earth, USA
• Zukiswa White, Coordinator, Women and Gender Constituency, South Africa
• Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation), Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador and WECAN Board Member and Project Coordinator, Turtle Island/USA
• Taily Terena (Terena Nation), Indigenous rights activist and organizer, WECAN Coordinator, Brazil (to be confirmed)
• Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA

Pavilion Event: Protecting Biodiversity for Climate Resilience

WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 11:00 - 11:45 AZT

WHERE: WGEO Pavilion, Blue Zone, COP29

Hosted by the WGEO

Osprey Orielle Lake, WECAN Executive Director, will be presenting at this event hosted by the WGEO to discuss the interlinkages between the global biodiversity and climate crises. WECAN will spotlight key climate solutions that are essential to biodiversity protection, while emphasizing the crucial role of biodiversity in climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem resilience.

Speakers include:

• H.E. Ms. Nilda Borges Da Mata, Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Sao Tome and Principe
• H.E. Ms. Diann Black-Layne, Director, Department of Environment, Antigua and Barbuda
• Ms. Osprey Orielle Lake, Founder and Executive Director, Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), USA
• Mr. Tristan Tyrrell, Programme Officer, Convention on Biological Diversity
• With moderation by Mr. Davis Buyondo, Journalist/Audio Producer, Been At; Vision Group (New Vision)

Press Conference: Accelerating Feminist Solutions to the Climate Crisis

WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 14:30 - 15:00 AZT

WHERE: Press Conference 2, Area C, Blue Zone, COP29, Baku​

Hosted by the Feminist Green New Deal Coalition

To address root causes of the climate crisis it is imperative to ensure the inclusion of feminist principles in a Just Transition. Speakers from the United States will discuss feminist policies and frameworks that are necessary for advancing just climate policies and plans with global implications.

This press conference is hosted by the Feminist Green New Deal (FEMGND) Coalition. WECAN is a co-founding member of the FemGND Coalition, and honored to support the advocacy efforts of the FemGND coalition at COP29.

Virtual Event: Global Voices and Women-Led Calls to Action in Response to COP29

WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 19:00 - 21:00 AZT

WHERE: Virtual Event, Register to join us here.

​Around the world, peoples’ movements are responding to the escalating climate crisis, rising to address the urgency and needs of people and the planet. Please join us for a wide ranging conversation from women on the ground at COP29 to report out on negotiations, share highlights, report releases, calls to action, and demands from women in all of their diversity globally. 

Speakers include frontline and Indigenous, Black and Brown leaders, global advocates, and policy experts following the COP29 negotiations. 

CASEY CAMP-HORINEK

Ponca Nation, Turtle Island, USA

Casey Camp-Horinek of the Ponca Nation is a community leader, long-time Native rights activist, environmentalist and actress. She is the Ponca Environmental Ambassador and a WECAN Board member. Casey is the Chair of GARN’s Indigenous Council. She has been at the forefront of grassroots community efforts to educate and empower both Native and non-Native community members on environmental and civil rights issues. 

CÉLIA XAKRIABÀ

Xakriaba, Brazil

Célia Xakriabá is a teacher and Indigenous activist of the Xakriabá people in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In 2022 she became the first Indigenous woman to be elected Federal Deputy for Minas Gerais. She has a Master’s degree in sustainable development from the University of Brasilia, and is part of the Articulation Rosalino Gomes, present in the North of Minas Gerais, and co-founder of the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Warriors of Ancestrality (ANMIGA).

PUYR TEMBÉ

Tembé, Brazil

Puyr Tembé, is a prominent Indigenous activist of the Tembé Indigenous peoples from Alto Rio Guamá in the Brazilian Amazon, and the First Secretary of Indigenous Peoples of the State of Pará. She is also a co-founder of The National Association of Indigenous Ancestral Women Warriors (ANMIGA). Puyr's advocacy is featured in the award-winning film “We Are Guardians,” which highlights the efforts of Indigenous forest guardians and Earth Defenders in protecting the Amazon from illegal logging and mining. 

TAILY TERENA

Terena, Brazil

Taily is a young Indigenous woman from the Terena nation of Brazil and a passionate advocate for the environment and Mother Earth. Since a young age, Taily has been an advocate for the rights of Indigenous women in Brazil. She belongs to the Enlace Continental de Mujeres Indígenas (Continental Network of Indigenous Women of Americas) and is the President of the General Assembly of the ACT-Brasil. She is a WECAN Coordinator in Brazil.

DR. FRANCES ROBERTS-GREGORY

USA

Dr. Frances Roberts-Gregory is an ecowomanist academic and feminist political ecologist with familial roots in coastal North Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. She currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard University Center for the Environment. Her feminist activist research explores women of color’s environmental resistance in Gulf Coast Louisiana and advocacy within UNFCCC negotiations for environmental, energy, and climate justice. 

OSPREY ORIELLE LAKE

USA

Osprey Orielle Lake is the Founder and Executive Director of the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International. She works nationally and internationally with grassroots and Indigenous leaders, policy-makers, and scientists to promote climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition to a clean energy future. 

KATHERINE QUAID

Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Turtle Island, USA

Katherine Quaid is the Communications Coordinator for the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). She was born and raised in rural central Oregon and is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla. Her dedication to climate justice is tied to the lands of her ancestors and the many communities nationally and around the world that are fighting for a healthy future.

WECAN is currently accepting applications for two positions. Please find more information below and apply today!

COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

WECAN is seeking a long-term Communications Associate to join our dynamic team working for climate justice, systemic change, and women’s and feminist leadership in global climate solutions. With the guidance of WECAN’s Communications Coordinator, the Communications Associate will work remotely to contribute to storytelling and advocacy on WECAN’s social media platforms, videos, and news articles, in addition to supporting overall communications strategies.

Apply by November 6 and learn more here.

EVENT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

WECAN is seeking a part-time Event Production Coordinator in a contracted position to develop and execute WECAN’s upcoming Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice, a public forum to take place virtually in June 2025.

The Event Production Coordinator will work remotely under the guidance of WECAN’s executive director and with the support of WECAN staff to develop, produce, and implement technical production for the assembly. With the guidance of the WECAN Executive Director and Program Associate, the Coordinator will lead panel mapping and Zoom production. This role requires a flexible, creative, and strategic thinker who can manage multiple tasks, envision ideas, conduct thorough research across a broad range of topics focusing on cross-sectional climate justice themes, present findings, and has virtual production experience and Zoom expertise. Additional responsibilities include supporting and conducting speaker outreach, writing, and other administrative duties. 

Apply by November 15 and learn more here.

Please consider supporting WECAN as we continue to uplift the leadership and solutions of women worldwide fighting for climate justice and the defense of the planet for current and future generations.