Environmentalists Who Changed (and Continue to Change) the World

There is nothing more important than protecting our environment. Without a safe and healthy place to live, the human race could be in epic danger. For International Women's Day, we celebrate a few women who take the world in their hands and protect it with all they have.

Greta Thunberg

“I have not accomplished anything." This statement made by Greta Thunberg (17 years old) and it couldn't be further from the truth. Her dedication to protecting the environment for our future generations is an accomplishment on its own. Her ability to stand up to adults in power is admirable and continues to push the importance of conservation to the front of our minds.

Peggy Shepard

WE ACT for Environmental Justice is an organization that “through advocacy, planning, and research…is able to mobilize low-income communities of color to make environmental changes.” At the helm of WE ACT is Peggy Shepard. Her goal is to make sure that sustainable environmental practices are accessible to all, regardless of circumstance.

Rachel Carson

American marine biologist, writer, scientist, and ecologist, Rachel Carson (1907-1964), was way ahead of her time. She wrote about conservation in the late 1930s and focused on her mission of protecting our oceans.

Julia "Butterfly" Hill

In the late 90s, Julia “Butterfly” Hill spent 738 days living in an ancient redwood, called Luna. This act brought awareness to the immense human threats to Redwood trees. Julia continues to advocate for the environment. “By standing together in unity, solidarity, and love we will heal the wounds in the earth and in each other. We can make a positive difference through our actions.”

Jane Fonda

Hollywood royalty, Jane Fonda, has decided that she is making saving the world her mission. She has stopped everything to spearhead Fire Drill Fridays. She was inspired by Greta Thunberg’s statement that “our house is on fire.” Since October, Fonda and other activists have taken to the streets, mostly in DC to protest and make their voices heard. She even spent time in jail for her cause!