Natalie Isaacs on Women and Climate Action

In this interview, Natalie Isaacs shares her insights on women’s pivotal role in addressing climate change and the transformative power of collective action.

A million women will tell a million more and lead a million communities.

Natalie Isaacs, Founder and CEO, 1 Million Women

Why is it important to engage women in climate action?

The patriarchal approach we’ve taken for so long isn’t working. Women make up half the global population, and more than half of Australia’s population. If we don’t have an equal voice, our needs won’t be met.

Women bring such unique qualities to the table: empathy, compassion, ingenuity and creativity. We have influence in our communities and social circles. That influence is powerful and it’s needed today. When we lead, we bring new energy and change happens much faster.

This is why 1 Million Women exists. Since 2019, we’ve brought more than a million women together on this journey, encouraging them to take the lead.

A million women will tell a million more and lead a million communities. On our own, it’s easy to doubt our capacity to make a difference. We can get stuck in a place of disempowerment. The moment we flip that thinking and see ourselves as one person among millions of women, we realise our power to change the world.

How can we empower women to drive climate action?

The theory of change behind 1 Million Women has always been: do something, see the results, and let that drive you forward. Each time you see a result, let that build momentum to do something even bigger next time.

I didn’t start on this journey until my mid-40s. Up until that point I thought climate action was someone else’s responsibility. I didn’t know enough about the role I could play, so it was easier to sit back and do nothing.

Getting my electricity bill down changed my life. It built my confidence as I could see the result of my actions. I started to realise that climate action should be our responsibility—and we can all do something about it.

These small wins build our confidence. It helps us find our voice to tell our stories. One thing we need more of in this decade—and right now—is for women to tell more of their stories. These can be about the simple, everyday actions we’re taking, whatever it is that makes you feel powerful. Those stories will open the door for other women and empower them to think, ‘I could do that too’.

When I started 1 Million Women, I was consumed with anxiety. I am not a climate scientist and I didn’t know anything about policy. But I did these extraordinary things: I reduced my electricity bill and my food waste. And this was how I empowered myself: If I could just share that story with another woman, it would resonate with her and inspire her to do it too.

Then the two of us could share that story, and build momentum for others too. And that’s how 1 Million Women grew. As more of us joined this journey, we created a global movement.

How can we overcome negative emotions about climate action?

We’re all at a different stage in our journey, but all that matters is we’re on the journey together. From there, we do what we can with what we have.

It’s overwhelming, but you don’t need to know or do everything all at once, or feel guilty or ashamed. What’s important is that you’re making a change. If there’s food waste in your bin, or you’ve chosen public transport instead of driving solo, that’s already a good start.

Women are not as comfortable stepping into their agency as men are. We put up roadblocks in front of us. I’m not good enough. I’m an imposter. I don’t know enough. They’re uncomfortable places to go.

But if we focus on avenues that we can jump into and feel confident about, engage in our community and support other women, we can accelerate women empowerment.

One thing we all have is a connection to Earth and to where we live. Articulate that connection in your head, then allow it to travel right to your heart. That’s when it becomes ingrained in who you are. It’s empowering.

What climate action can we take?

In all honesty, we have a small window. 2030 is really the line in the sand. We have to reduce our emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2030, and reach global (net) zero by 2050. It really needs a global effort and everybody at every level.

At 1 Million Women, we’ll be focusing on our campaign 1 READY’ for the next two years. We’re aiming to empower another million women to take action in their everyday lives to reduce carbon emissions.

The three key elements of the campaign are:

• 1M Transforming My Home

• 1M Rallying My Politician

• 1M Making My Money Count

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1M Transforming My Home is about the small and large changes we can make at home and on the road to move past fossil fuels.

Everything we buy has embodied carbon emissions, but we can make more conscious decisions to minimise the impact. Before you buy something, ask yourself: Do I really need it? How long will it last? What will I do when I’m finished with it?

If you can do more, here’s our guide on how to electrify your homes. From heating, hot water, oven, cooktop to car, there are ways to be more energy efficient and use clean energy.

1M Rallying My Politician is about starting constructive conversations with our local politicians, but also championing politicians who are willing to represent us when we call for climate action.

We need to call for change at every level and demand more from our politicians. Having more women around the negotiating table is key. There are some amazing female politicians stepping into their agency. They need our support to fight in the party room for climate action at the top of the agenda. Learn how to get involved.

1M Making My Money Count is about making sure the financial institutions we trust are aligned with our values.

By 2028, women will be responsible for two-thirds of human spending (UN Women). We need to make sure your money is doing good for people, the planet and your own financial wellbeing.

Every dollar that we spend, we should think about what it is that we are supporting. Does it lift another woman up? Does it support a small business? Does it support the local economy? Does it contribute to climate action?

The money that we give our banks and superfunds, is it invested in the fossil fuel industry? Do they cause other damage beyond fossil fuels? Is it ethical and socially equitable? We need to ask those questions and make informed decisions. Learn more on how to make your money count.

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