The Seventh Generation Principle: A Guiding Light for Climate Action and Gender Equality

By Christine Amour-Levar

What can an ancient Haudenosaunee philosophy teach us about combating climate change and promoting gender equality? It may provide one of the most powerful frameworks for creating a future that honours both people and the planet.

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, adopting a mindset rooted in sustainability becomes essential—one that prioritises not just the immediate future but the generations that will inherit the world we leave behind.

The Seventh Generation Principle, an ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy, offers us a powerful framework for thinking about our responsibilities to future generations. This principle teaches us that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. This mindset resonates deeply with the work I’ve done over the years with grassroots communities, particularly through HER Planet Earth, where we empower women to build climate resilience.

 During one of my journeys to the Arctic with a group of remarkable women, I witnessed first-hand the profound connection between environmental stewardship and the role of women in leading these efforts. There, in one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, I realised that our actions today would echo through time, affecting the lives of people we will never meet. This journey was not just about raising awareness; it was about understanding that our decisions have long-term impacts far beyond our immediate surroundings.

This principle also holds significant relevance in both the philanthropic and investment worlds. In these sectors, the Seventh Generation Principle challenges us to prioritise long-term, sustainable impact over short-term gains. Whether we are funding initiatives, supporting grassroots projects, or investing in innovative climate solutions, our actions today must be guided by their potential to benefit future generations.

The Intersection of Climate Change and Gender Equality

The impacts of climate change are far-reaching, affecting every aspect of our lives—from the availability of clean water and food to the stability of economies and the health of populations. However, these impacts are not experienced equally. Women, especially those in developing regions, are often the first to feel the effects of environmental degradation and climate-related disasters due to social and economic inequalities, as well as traditional gender roles.

I recall a story from my time in rural Philippines, where I met a group of women who, despite their limited resources, became leaders in their community’s fight against climate change. These women were initially struggling with the impacts of flooding and erratic weather patterns, which threatened their agricultural livelihoods. In response, they organised themselves and introduced a system of communal rainwater harvesting and storage. By constructing simple but effective rainwater catchment systems, they ensured a reliable water supply for their crops during the dry season and reduced their dependency on increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Additionally, they adopted climate-resilient crop varieties and implemented organic farming techniques, which not only protected their families’ food security but also enhanced the overall sustainability of their community. Their transformation from victims to agents of change exemplifies the critical role women play in building more resilient and sustainable communities.

 Women have a unique understanding of the needs of their communities and are often at the forefront of efforts to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Whether through sustainable agriculture practices, leading local conservation efforts, or advocating for policy changes, women are playing a crucial role in driving impactful change.

Incorporating the Seventh Generation Principle

As we work towards empowering women in the fight against climate change, we must ask ourselves—how will our actions today influence the world seven generations into the future? The Seventh Generation Principle reminds us that true equality and sustainability are long-term commitments, impacting the lives of women and communities far beyond our own time.

One of the most powerful moments in my career was mentoring a young woman from a small village in Nepal, who later became a leader in her community’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change. This experience taught me that the impact of our actions today—whether through mentorship, policy, or community engagement—can ripple through time, affecting not just our immediate surroundings but the future as well.

To incorporate this principle into our climate actions, we must ensure that the voices of women are not only heard but prioritised in decision-making processes. This means actively involving women in the development and implementation of climate policies and programmes, as well as providing them with the resources and support they need to lead these efforts.

Moreover, we must recognise that achieving gender equality in climate action today will set the stage for a more just and sustainable world for future generations. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality—such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—we can empower women to take on leadership roles in climate action and create lasting change.

A Call to Action

The challenges we face in the fight against climate change are immense, but so too is our capacity for innovation, collaboration, and resilience. By embracing the Seventh Generation Principle and recognising the critical role of women in this fight, we can create a future that is not only sustainable but also equitable.

As leaders, policymakers, and advocates, we have a responsibility to ensure that the decisions we make today are informed by a deep understanding of their long-term impacts. This means thinking beyond short-term gains and considering how our actions will shape the world for generations to come.

Incorporating the Seventh Generation Principle into our approach to climate action and gender equality is not just a moral imperative—it is a practical strategy for building a better world. My deepest hope is that we embrace the wisdom of this ancient philosophy, committing to decisions that will not only honour its principles but actively shape a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.