#USA #climate action #Oak Brook #Zonta International #Lisa Blair

Zonta International Honors Lisa Blair on World Environment Day

On June 5, a day recognized globally as World Environment Day, Zonta International proudly announced the award of honorary membership to Lisa Blair, a distinguished advocate for gender equality and climate action. This recognition not only underscores Blair's commitment to these vital issues but is also pivotal in raising awareness on how climate change disproportionately affects women and girls.

Lisa Blair, an Australian adventurer and environmentalist, is renowned for her groundbreaking achievements in solo sailing. She is the fastest individual to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht, aptly named Climate Action Now. With a total of eight world records under her belt and sailing experience encompassing over 130,000 nautical miles, Ms. Blair possesses an impressive résumé in maritime endurance.

Blair's journey toward becoming a climate activist began with her experiences at sea. During her expeditions, she witnessed firsthand the grim reality of plastic pollution impacting even the most pristine locales in Antarctica. Her mission to promote climate awareness is driven by her desire to ensure that the issues she cares deeply about receive the media attention they deserve. By branding her yacht with a call to climate action, she melds her adventurous pursuits with a serious message about our planet's health.

An advocate for women's rights, Lisa highlighted the unique challenges women face during climate-related disasters at the 2024 Zonta International Convention in Brisbane, Australia. Notably, during time periods of extreme weather events, research reveals that women often find themselves in more vulnerable positions than men due to systemic economic and social disparities. As such, Zonta International’s decision to honor Ms. Blair is not only a celebration of her accomplishments but also an acknowledgment of the pressing need for gender equality in climate action.

Reflecting on her honorary membership, Blair expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for aligning with Zonta International’s mission. She stated, “I am incredibly honored to be awarded an honorary membership. They are taking strong climate action for women and girls, and I am proud to work with them to amplify the need for sustainability and protection of our planet.” Her words resonate with the core philosophy of Zonta, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of gender issues and environmental stewardship.

In light of her recognition, Blair is also launching her Arctic Impact Project, which aims to construct a sustainable boat crafted from innovative materials. This vessel will be designed to navigate the Arctic Circle in line with her overarching mission to promote sustainability, both at sea and on land.

“To protect our planet, we must forge connections with the environment,” Blair elaborated. “Through storytelling in my projects, I want to take my audience to the most affected places and motivate them toward climate action.” By highlighting the undeniable link between gender equality and environmental protection, her work encourages a unified approach to tackling both issues concurrently.

Zonta International stands firmly alongside Lisa Blair in advocating for urgent actions that address climate change while also ensuring women's rights are prioritized. The call for a concerted effort to promote gender equality and resilience amid climate challenges has never been more relevant. As we witness increased climate-related occurrences, it is essential to adopt actions that protect the most vulnerable groups effectively. Zonta believes that addressing these inequalities and resource gaps is crucial in rebuilding lives post-disasters, allowing women and girls to thrive.

The message from Zonta International and Ms. Blair invites the global community to unite in their shared responsibility for our planet's future. Through actionable steps promoting climate-conscious practices, everyone is encouraged to contribute toward creating a better world for women and girls alike, ensuring equality in every endeavor. As advocates, we can rise to the occasion and lead the charge for a more sustainable, equitable future.

For further information, please contact:
Kate Edrinn
Communications Manager
Zonta International
Phone: 630-928-1400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.zonta.org