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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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!

Next Up

Helping the Los Angeles River Change Course

As a human trying to commute from Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles to the hills of Pasadena, you probably already know that you’ll be making your way on infamous, traffic-clogged roads filled with obstacles to be avoided.

Penguins Roam Art Museum in Kansas City

Penguins from the Kansas City Zoo took advantage of the lack of people in the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and spent the morning taking in the masterpieces. They loved Caravaggio. Monet, not so much.

An Underwater Adventure From the Comfort of Your Couch

The Georgia Aquarium is live streaming from some of their epic habitats!

'Ice Volcanoes’ Burst Along Lake Michigan

Past due! Lake Michigan’s winter wonders came a bit late this year. Do we blame climate change for this?

Take a Safari at Home

The San Diego Zoo is streaming some of their awesome animals-- LIVE!

The Truth About COVID-19 and Your Animals

Experts in the medical and veterinary fields help clear up rumors and answer your burning questions about how COVID-19 affects animals.

Saving Hawaii’s Native Species

Not so very long ago, Hawaii was a remote island, populated solely by endemic flora and fauna–and its native inhabitants. Now, however, it is known throughout the world as a must-visit tourist destination, while Americans have moved to the islands in their masses, buying up beachfront properties.

The Battle to Save California Mountain Lions

California is considering protecting mountain lions in certain parts of the state through the Endangered Species Act – but not everyone is happy about it.

Murder Hornets Invade the US

For my next trick, says 2020, may I introduce you to… Murder Hornets! Spotted in the Pacific Northwest for the first time, these giant hornets put our ecosystem at risk.

Zoo Miami Tests Gorilla for COVID

Zoo Miami is taking every precaution to protect its gorilla population from COVID-19.