Earth Day Campaign  Toolkit

Campaign Overview

Why this matters in Canada (quick talking points)

• Climate change is already here—and faster in Canada. Canada has warmed at more than twice the global rate; the Arctic/northern regions are warming about three times as fast, increasing risks from extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding and permafrost thaw. [changingclimate.ca]
• 2023 was Canada’s worst wildfire season on record. More than 14.6 million hectares burned and over 230,000 people were evacuated—disruptions that fell hardest on rural, northern and Indigenous communities. [natural-re….canada.ca]
• Health and equity impacts are uneven. Climate hazards (heat waves, smoke, floods) worsen respiratory and cardiovascular disease, mental health, food and water security, and infectious disease risks—especially for groups already facing inequities, including women and gender‑diverse people, low‑income households, older adults, and many Indigenous communities. [changingclimate.ca], [canada.ca]
• Gender lens = better climate policy. Canada’s federal decisions use Gender‑based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus), and gender‑responsive climate policy is a recognized best practice internationally (UNFCCC/UN Women). [publications.gc.ca], [genderclim…racker.org]
• Indigenous women’s leadership is essential. National civil society partners highlight the need to centre Indigenous women and Two‑Spirit leaders in climate policy and biodiversity protection—areas where voices remain under‑represented. [nwac.ca]

International Statement — Canada — adapted

Could be a 1-pager posted on the website, part of an e-newsletter, or adapted for social media posts as well.

Step Forward for Equality — Canada

This Earth Day, Zontians across Canada step forward for equality because the climate crisis is also a crisis of fairness. As our country warms at more than twice the global rate, climate hazards—wildfire smoke, heat waves, floods and coastal change—are disrupting health, homes and livelihoods. Women and gender‑diverse people, particularly those facing low income, caregiving loads, disability, racism and colonial legacies, carry disproportionate risks and recovery burdens. [changingclimate.ca], [changingclimate.ca], [canadianwomen.org]

We believe solutions must be gender‑responsive and evidence‑based. We support climate plans that apply Gender‑based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus), strengthen community care systems, expand safe and affordable housing, and invest in health protection—clean‑air spaces, heat alert systems and mental health supports. [publications.gc.ca], [canada.ca]

We also believe in self‑determined Indigenous climate leadership. We endorse distinctions‑based approaches that create decision‑making space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and Two‑Spirit leaders, and expand funding for Indigenous‑led conservation and resilience. [nwac.ca], [canada.ca]

Every footprint matters. As we cut emissions in our homes, workplaces and travel, we also lift each other up—equipping girls with STEM skills, supporting women entrepreneurs in the clean economy, and ensuring equitable access to green jobs and training. [publications.gc.ca]

We invite like‑minded partners to endorse this statement and take steps with us—because every step toward climate justice is a step toward gender equality, and every step toward equality advances climate justice.