Mafalda Duarte is the newly appointed executive director of the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate finance institution, the Green Climate Fund (GCF). She is focused on expanding GCF’s climate investments across the developing world, with an emphasis on social inclusion in the energy transition.
What is the single most important action you think the public, or a specific company or government, needs to take in the next year to advance the climate agenda?
It is essential for both companies and governments to act on the climate promises and commitments they have made. They should formulate clear plans based on science, make these plans public, and subject them to public scrutiny and oversight. Moreover, the public should exercise this accountability by making informed consumer, investor, and voting decisions according to the ambition of actions taken by these companies and governments.
What sustainability effort do you hope will gain popularity with the general public this year, and why?
A decision should be made on a new global tax and mechanism to channel the proceeds to investments in the most promising climate solutions and to the communities that need them the most. The G20 and G7 should make this a top priority for 2024.
Where should climate activism go in the next year?
Countries and companies that have benefited the most from fossil fuel investments should demonstrate the highest degree of climate ambition and financial solidarity with developing nations. This should be accompanied by strong local oversight and public awareness campaigns. That is climate justice.
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