Full feedAgents of change in New York City
Four courageous, inspirational women from around the world are in New York right now to urge President Obama and heads of state from over 100 countries to take action against climate change. These women have either lost their homes, jobs or food supply to flooding, droughts and other disasters. But they are taking action to rebuild their lives and they are now speaking out for their communities - their family. They are from Mississippi, Uganda, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands in the Pacific. In facing incredibly desperate situations - all of them have developed a strong voice for action climate change.
Sharon Hanshaw, a cosmetologist from Biloxi, who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina, became a leader in preparing her community for the future. Ursula Rakova is moving the 1700 citizens of the tiny Carteret Islands to a mainland location in Papua New Guinea. Ulamila Kurai Wragg, a veteran journalist from the Cook Islands has galvanized Pacific Island women in media, from Hawaii to Fiji, to lead the way in addressing climate change. Constance Okollet, from a small village in Uganda, is a mother who is organising a network of 40 regional women’s groups to confront starvation, drought and inadequate health care caused by climate change.
Meet Sharon, Constance and Ula who explain why they have come to New York this week as world leaders gather to discuss climate change
Watch this space for more from these amazing women who will be participating in events throughout Climate Week in New York (click here to see the list of events). Join these women by signing up to be a climate activist. And If you have any questions you would like to ask thesm - please submit a comment below.
Are you affected by climate change at all? Please add your voice to the Climate Orb.
Comments
Oh, Girls, we are with U! Love & Peace!
Posted by: Francesca Zazzera | September 20, 2009 1:58 PM
Thankfully people around the globe are becoming aware of the problem of climate change. Sometimes it takes us to touch the bottom such experience gives us the courage to stand up and ask our government for accountability as is the case with Global climate change. We cannot wait to experience what these women have experienced. We need to act now.
Posted by: Brenda | September 23, 2009 7:51 PM
These women are an inspiration to all western women who don't or can't understand the devestating impact climate change has hand on the lives of women on the other side of the globe. I wish them the best of luck in getting their marginalized voices heard. I hope our Canadian Inuit will be given the same opportunity. As they too are in a desperate situation.
Posted by: Amy Hackett | September 30, 2009 2:58 AM