Dear Earth

Dear Earth,

Every day I strive to be in close contact with you; it’s my response to an inner pull that recognizes our inseparable connection.

Whether I’m enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms in Korea, my current home, wandering through the mountains of my native Portugal, sinking my feet into the sand at the beach, or simply listening to the birds outside, admiring the shifting seasons in the trees or lifting my face to the sun, you bring me that sense of awe, that sense of connection, belonging and peace.

Yet, as our societies have grown more urban, living in skyscrapers and crowded cities, we find ourselves drifting further from our connection to the Earth. It's important that we find ways to reconnect.

My name is Mafalda Duarte, and I am a proud mother, daughter, wife, and the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, where I am privileged to lead a team driving global climate action.

One of the greatest joys of my role is traveling to remarkable places and meeting incredible people around the globe.

Photo: © Ministry of Environment, Rwanda

My climate journey began nearly 24 years ago when I lived in Mozambique. There, I witnessed the devastating effects of flooding: lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and communities torn apart. This experience drove me to understand the underlying causes of these disasters and compelled me to act. I decided then to dedicate my energy, knowledge, and time to fostering hope and leading effective climate action.

I’ve visited numerous communities with the Green Climate Fund. It’s uplifting to see our investments not only restore land affected by natural hazards, but also create new income opportunities and rebuild, as well as sustain livelihoods. It's particularly inspiring to see how our projects have provided security and a sense of community to families, especially those headed by women, and often for the first time.

These projects demonstrate the significant impact we can have.

I hope that more people will recognize that each of us can be a [climate] champion in our own right. We face a serious crisis, but we all have the ability to make a difference through the choices we make each day. I know it's not easy. Many young people are anxious and frustrated about the future and the decisions made by previous generations. To them, I say: Do not lose heart. Continue to find that motivation and energy because you have so much to contribute.

Together, through collective action, we can rise to the moment we are privileged to live in and respond to the major challenges of our time.

Yours,
Mafalda