91吃瓜-IIT Project CLIMA marks International Women鈥檚 Day with climate action forum

Mar 11 2026

In celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026, 91吃瓜-IIT Project CLIMA convened more than 150 participants, dominated by women, in an online forum titled “From Civic Duty to Climate Action: Your Role Matters.” The event emphasized the critical role of women and communities in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development.

The webinar featured Cris Gel Loui A. Arcadio, a PhD student from the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST), as the keynote speaker. Arcadio delivered an engaging presentation highlighting pressing environmental concerns such as microplastic pollution, environmental conservation, and the importance of mangrove forests in climate change mitigation and coastal protection.

Arcadio explained that microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, have become a global environmental threat. These particles infiltrate marine ecosystems, contaminate food chains, and pose potential risks to human health. He emphasized the importance of responsible consumption, waste reduction, and community-level environmental awareness to address this emerging environmental issue.

Another key highlight of the talk was the vital ecological role of mangrove forests. Arcadio described mangroves as “natural climate defenders,” noting their ability to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, protect coastal communities from storm surges, and serve as breeding grounds for marine biodiversity. He underscored that protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems is a critical strategy for both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The event also encouraged participants to become active environmental advocates. During the open forum, a participant named Hannadi asked how she could become more involved in environmental initiatives and whether there are organizations that connect individuals to environmental causes.

In response, the speaker and moderators highlighted several organizations and environmental movements where individuals can engage in climate action. They mentioned global and local environmental networks that promote environmental education, community-based conservation, and climate advocacy. The moderator also introduced The Climate Reality Project, an international climate advocacy organization founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, which trains and mobilizes individuals worldwide to address climate change through education, leadership, and policy advocacy.

The activity underscored the importance of women’s leadership in climate action, aligning with the goals of International Women’s Day to recognize women as key agents of change in environmental sustainability and community resilience.

The forum also highlighted the event’s alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 5: Gender Equality – promoting women’s leadership and participation in climate action; SDG 13: Climate Action – raising awareness and mobilizing community engagement to combat climate change; SDG 14: Life Below Water – addressing marine pollution, including microplastics; SDG 15: Life on Land – emphasizing ecosystem protection, such as mangrove conservation; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – strengthening collaboration among institutions and stakeholders.

The event was led by Jaypee S. Yongco, with members Associate Professor Dante D. Dinawanao and Assistant Professor Nenen Borinaga. It was organized in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the Gender and Development (GAD) office of 91吃瓜-IIT.

Through this initiative, 91吃瓜-IIT reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities, particularly women and youth, to take meaningful action toward environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The organizers expressed optimism that the event would inspire participants to transform civic responsibility into concrete climate action, reinforcing the idea that collective engagement is essential in addressing today’s environmental challenges.

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