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Renata Koch Alvarenga      

Climate Expert, Social Entrepreneur, Founder & Executive Director of EmpoderaClima

Renata Koch Alvarenga, from Brazil, is a leading voice for gender equality and youth leadership in the global climate movement, having been involved in climate justice spaces for the past 9 years. She founded the youth-led and Brazil-based organization EmpoderaClima at 22 years old, to raise awareness of the need for women’s empowerment in climate decision-making spaces, and advocate for girl’s education and climate action in the Global South – especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2021, Alvarenga was the first young Brazilian to speak at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65) opening, alongside the UN Secretary-General. That same year, she was nominated by Malala Yousafzai as a young leader to watch at the UN COP26. She is part of the 2022 class of Environmental Educators 30 Under 30, and she has been on boards, youth councils, and leadership programs of various international organizations, including UN Women, the UN Girls’ Education Initiative, the World Economic Forum, Vital Voices, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. Recently, Alvarenga was featured in Forbes 30 under 30 in Brazil for Social Entrepreneurship and was awarded the inaugural Emerging Leaders Beautiful Forces grant by Estée Lauder for her innovative and bold work with young women in Brazil.

Alvarenga graduated with a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University, where she researched climate finance and resilience and worked with the Belfer Center for International Relations and the Center for International Development, doing fieldwork in Puerto Rico and Barbados. Alvarenga has professional experience in global climate policy and diplomacy, having worked at the British Mission in Brazil, the United Nations Youth Office, and the World Bank Headquarters.

Speech Topics

Gender and Climate Justice: The Interconnectedness of the Agendas

In this talk, we explore the deep connections between gender equality and climate justice. Climate change disproportionately impacts women and marginalized groups, yet their voices are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces. This session unpacks how advancing gender equality is crucial for building resilient communities and tackling the climate crisis. Drawing on real-world examples from global advocacy and local initiatives, I show how integrating gender into climate policies leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes for all.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the link between gender equality and climate resilience.
  • Learn strategies for incorporating gender justice into climate action at the local, national, and international levels.
  • Explore case studies of successful gender-just climate policies and actions.

Disaster Risk Finance and Disaster Preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and the Caribbean are among the most vulnerable regions to climate-related disasters. This presentation covers innovative approaches to disaster risk finance and preparedness, with a focus on how these strategies can mitigate the devastating effects of natural disasters. I discuss the role of financial instruments like catastrophe bonds, insurance, and early warning systems in strengthening resilience. Attendees will also gain insights into the importance of inclusive planning that involves communities, governments, and international stakeholders.

Attendee Results:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of disaster risk finance mechanisms in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Explore best practices for disaster preparedness that can be applied to both urban and rural contexts.
  • Learn how to engage communities in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.

Global Climate Policy and the UNFCCC/COP Spaces

This talk delves into the intricacies of global climate policy, with a special focus on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the COP (Conference of the Parties) process. I provide a behind-the-scenes look at how climate negotiations unfold, who the key actors are, and what it takes to influence global climate agreements. As someone who has attended several COPs, I share lessons learned from these high-stakes meetings and discuss how grassroots movements and civil society can shape the global climate agenda.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the structure and function of UNFCCC and COP negotiations.
  • Learn how different stakeholders—governments, NGOs, youth, and businesses—impact climate policy.
  • Gain strategies for engaging with global climate policy and advocating for change at international forums.

Gender and Climate Education: The Path for Girls' Education for Climate Action

Climate action and gender equality are intrinsically linked, especially when it comes to education. This session highlights the importance of equipping girls with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in climate action. We discuss the critical role of gender-responsive education systems and how they can foster climate resilience in communities. Using examples from UNICEF and other global initiatives, I explore pathways to empower girls and young women to drive meaningful climate solutions and build a more sustainable future.

Attendee Results:

  • Learn the importance of gender-responsive climate education and its impact on communities.
  • Understand how to implement educational programs that empower girls to take climate action.
  • Explore case studies of girls and young women leading climate initiatives globally.

Youth Leadership and Climate Action

Young people are at the forefront of the climate movement, pushing for urgent and transformative change. In this session, I share insights into the role of youth in climate leadership and how their advocacy is shaping global and local climate agendas. From grassroots mobilization to influencing international negotiations, this talk highlights the power of youth activism. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to mentor, support, and collaborate with young climate leaders to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the role of youth leadership in driving climate action.
  • Learn how to support and engage young people in climate advocacy and decision-making.
  • Gain tools for amplifying the voices of youth leaders in local and global climate spaces.

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