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Photo by: Peter Cade

Peter Cade

Environmentalists Who Changed (and Continue to Change) the World

By: Leah Weber

Here are five women who made it their life's mission to make the world a better place through environmental activism.

March 06, 2020

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.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg joins demonstrators during a Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate (BYS4C) march, on February 28, 2020 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

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BRISTOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg joins demonstrators during a Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate (BYS4C) march, on February 28, 2020 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Photo by: Finnbarr Webster

Finnbarr Webster

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.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02:  Co founder of WE ACT For Enviormental Justice Peggy Shepard attends New Yorkers For Clean Power Campaign Launch at Solar 1 on May 2, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Co founder of WE ACT For Enviormental Justice Peggy Shepard attends New Yorkers For Clean Power Campaign Launch at Solar 1 on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Photo by: Roy Rochlin

Roy Rochlin

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.

UNITED STATES - JULY 14:  Biologist/author Rachel Carson  (Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)

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UNITED STATES - JULY 14: Biologist/author Rachel Carson (Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images)

Photo by: Alfred Eisenstaedt

Alfred Eisenstaedt

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 during Daryl Hannah Protests the Closing of South Central Los Angeles Farm - June 1, 2006 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jesse Grant/WireImage)

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Julia Butterfly Hill during Daryl Hannah Protests the Closing of South Central Los Angeles Farm - June 1, 2006 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jesse Grant/WireImage)

Photo by: Jesse Grant

Jesse Grant

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.”

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: Actress and activist Jane Fond speaks at her last Washington, DC "Fire Drill Fridays" climate change protest and rally on Capitol Hill on January 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: Actress and activist Jane Fond speaks at her last Washington, DC "Fire Drill Fridays" climate change protest and rally on Capitol Hill on January 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Photo by: Paul Morigi

Paul Morigi

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!

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