Building climate resilience through justice: Reflections and a path forward
A message from Nancy Metayer Bowen, Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, US
Dear friends and colleagues,
As I reflect on the recent and many conversations at the Rio Summit and the Bonn sessions, I am reminded that global climate action cannot succeed without a foundation built on justice, equity, and meaningful inclusion. Both gatherings reaffirmed that the communities most affected by climate impacts are low-income populations, frontline neighborhoods, Indigenous groups, and small island and developing nations, which remain the least resourced to respond. These dialogues pushed me to consider not only how we design policies, but who is centered in the process. Equity is not an accessory to climate work; it is the infrastructure that determines whether climate solutions are durable, trusted, and truly transformative.
In an era of shifting geopolitical landscapes, it is even more essential that climate equity does not get sidelined. Global tensions, economic uncertainty, and political polarization can make climate goals feel secondary, but the reality is that inequities grow during instability. If we abandon or dilute the equity lens now, we risk widening existing gaps and undermining long-term resilience. Effective climate governance requires fairness, fair access to resources, fair decision-making structures, and fair distribution of benefits. This is how we build systems that withstand political cycles and international pressures.
Lastly, I want to share that I am stepping into a new role with ICLEI USA, where I will have the opportunity to help advance community-centered climate strategies on a broader scale. I am honored to continue this work while serving as Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, a community that recognizes the value of inclusive climate planning. These dual roles allow me to bridge local experience with national and global perspectives, ensuring our communities remain active contributors to climate conversations.
Looking ahead to 2026, my priorities are clear: Strengthen local–global partnerships, continue elevating frontline voices in decision-making, expand access to climate finance for frontline and vulnerable communities, and push for measurable accountability in climate commitments. The path forward requires collaboration, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to equity. Our work is most powerful when it ensures that every community, not just a select few, has the opportunity to thrive.
In partnership and solidarity,
Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen
City of Coral Springs, Florida, US
ICLEI USA Board Member
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