Brazil Highlights Women’s Central Role in Climate Policy at COP30

At the COP30 conference, Brazil underscored the pivotal role of women in climate policy and action. Márcia Lopes, Brazil's Minister of Women, emphasized the federal government's commitment to placing women at the center of climate solutions during the panel “Justiça Climática com Protagonismo Feminino,” organized by Grupo Mulheres do Brasil. Lopes articulated that Brazil’s climate transition will strive to be fair, inclusive, and centered on women, recognizing that sustainable futures cannot be achieved without their leadership. She drew attention to women’s front-line experiences with climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, and economic hardships, often faced with limited resources yet remaining essential pillars supporting communities and care networks.

Lopes called for global recognition of women’s vital involvement in sustainable resource management, the solidarity economy, and the protection of forests and traditional knowledge. The minister also introduced a booklet titled "Women in Climate Actions," developed with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which details the specific vulnerabilities women face due to climate change and stresses the necessity of female leadership in policy-making.

Adding to this, Luiza Trajano, founder of Grupo Mulheres do Brasil, highlighted the importance of inclusive policies that reflect women’s diverse realities, emphasizing their collective political power to influence governance structures. Her remarks underscored the urgent need to involve women of varied backgrounds in climate policy discussions to ensure equitable and effective responses.

This focus on women’s leadership during COP30 illustrates Brazil’s broader commitment to gender-inclusive climate action, recognizing that women are both disproportionately affected by climate change and essential drivers of innovative solutions. As Lopes concluded, "We cannot envision a sustainable future without women's leadership." This positions Brazil as a proactive advocate for integrating gender perspectives fully into climate policy at the international level.