By Suzanne Biegel

The private capital committed by members of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) has the potential to transform climate investments. Yet climate investment decision-makers don’t reflect the diversity we need for a just transition. They are therefore likely to overlook the women outside of their networks driving many solutions.

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This is true in both developed and developing markets. Growing research shows that having more women in decision-making positions results in better climate outcomes (here and here). At this critical point in human history, it just doesn’t make sense to ignore 50 percent of the population on your investment teams, sourcing, due diligence and analysis, whether you are looking at entrepreneurs, leaders, innovators, customers or suppliers.

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I’ve been working with those investing in solutions at the intersection of gender and the environment for more than a dozen years and have helped to lead the GenderSmart working group of investors driving progress on gender and climate. I’m buoyed by the growing set of climate investment commitments integrating an equity lens, particularly from governments, development finance institutions (DFIs) and foundations. This trend is good news for private capital, as it provides greater opportunities for the R&D and technical assistance necessary to bring these investments to market, anchor new investments and de-risk finance transactions. It also means that there are now investment opportunities in almost every asset class, sector and geography.

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